A TRIAL date has been set for a man denying a string of child sex abuse offences — including rape.

Paul Michael Louis Allen, 37, formerly of Hinton Road, Carisbrooke, has been further remanded in HMP Albany until the trial, which has been set for June 27.

Mr Allen had previously seen his case be sent from the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court to the higher Isle of Wight Crown Court.

He is charged on a 21-count indictment, including rape, engaging in sexual communication with a child, distributing indecent photographs of a child, penetrative activity with a boy aged 14.

Other charges include arranging the commission of a child sex offence either at a hotel in Portsmouth or at the child's home address, and causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

The trial is likely to last seven days.