The case of a Ryde man, accused of a string of child abuse offences, has been sent to Crown Court, due to the severity of the charges.

Steven Roy Reddin, 57, of Arundel Close, did not enter a plea when he appeared before Isle of Wight Magistrates today (Tuesday).

He is charged with a number of historic child abuse offences, dating between June 9, 1991 and June 10, 1994.

The charges comprise two counts of rape of a girl aged under 16, two counts of indecent assault on a girl aged under 14, one count of inciting a girl aged under 14 to commit an act of gross indecency, and one count of gross indecency with a girl aged under 14.

Mr Reddin's case was adjourned to May 24, at the Isle of Wight Crown Court.

He was granted unconditional bail.