ACCUSATIONS that a man committed a string of sexual offences against a girl in Shanklin, including rape, were heard by Isle of Wight magistrates.

Keith Heselton, of Mulberry Mead, Whitchurch, Hampshire, faced two charges of rape, together with three charges of sexually assaulting a girl (by two by touching and one by penetration), two of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, and a further two of causing or inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity.

It is alleged the victim was aged 13 years and under, namely eight years old at the time of some of the alleged offences, and that the offences date back more than 16 years, to between June 30, 2005, and March 11, 2006.

The 63-year-old, who appeared before magistrates by video link, was bailed to reappear for a plea and trial preparation hearing at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on October 31.