RAILWAY worker Antoni Imiela, accused of being the Trophy Rapist, today made another appearance at Maidstone Crown Court.

Mr Imiela, of Heathside, Appledore, near Ashford, did not enter any pleas to the 12 charges he faces after a request for a delay by his lawyer, Simon Russell Flint.

The 48-year-old father will return to Maidstone Crown Court in May when pleas will be taken and a preliminary matter will be dealt with.

Judge Andrew Patience, QC, told Mr Imiela the trial was likely to begin before a High Court judge the first week in October.

An earlier hearing had been told that German-born Mr Imiela was planning to plead not guilty to the charges involving alleged attacks on girls and women in the south east of England.

Mr Imiela is charged with raping a girl, aged 10, in Ashford, on November 15 2001; two women on July 11 last year; twice raping a woman on July 16; a woman on August 6; a woman on August 7; a girl, aged 13, on September 6 and a girl, aged 14, on October 25.

He is further accused of kidnapping a girl, aged 10, on November 21, indecently assaulting her and attempting to rape her.

Operation Orb was launched by five police forces earlier this year. The attacker was called the Trophy Rapist because he took items from victims.

Mr Imiela was remanded in custody. Judge Patience has ordered that no photographs, images, or E-fits of Imiela should be published until further notice.