A man is set to stand trial accused of raping a young girl.

Philip Cast, of New Ash Green, was arrested after the alleged offences were reported to police in Essex last week.

The 48-year-old, of Bazes Shaw, was charged with child sex offences and appeared at Basildon Magistrates' Court last Monday, September 30.

Police made the arrest after being informed about alleged incidents dating between November 2014 and November 2016 in the Thurrock area.

The case has been sent to Basildon Crown Court.

Cast was remanded in custody and is next due to appear in the court later this month.

To read more of our in depth coverage of all of the major trials coming out of crown and magistrates' courts across the county, click here.

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