A 42-year-old man denied committing a string of offences across Medway and Whitstable when he appeared in court today.

John Guscott, of Kemp Close, Chatham, can be identified for the first time after a ban on his identification was lifted.

The Contempt of Court Act Order order had been made by Medway Magistrates after his arrest.

But prosecutor Peter Forbes told a judge at Maidstone Crown Court today that the prohibition was no longer sought.

Appearing by TV link with Elmley Prison, Sheppey, Guscott entered not guilty pleas 18 charges - nine of sexual assault, one of exposure, one of assault by penetration, four of robbery, one of attempted robbery and two of assault causing actual bodily harm.

Mr Forbes told Judge Jonathan Carroll: “This is a considerable enquiry into a number of offences on known women.

“Just to give you an idea of the scale of it there have been up to 90 offences identified which are being investigated in relation to this defendant.”

Mr Forbes said there was expected to be further charges at the next hearing on March 27. A provisional date for trial - expected to last four weeks - was set for October 19.

The alleged offences, all last year, relate to:

• Sexual assault, robbery and exposure in Junction Road, Gillingham, on March 3.
• Two sexual assaults on the same woman in Riverside Country Park, Rainham, on June 28.
• Four sexual assaults in Stream Walk and All Saints Close, Whitstable, and Copperhouse Lane, Rainham, on August 12.
• Robberies in Lordswood Lane, Chatham, on November 1, and Woodlands Road, Gillingham, on August 12.
• Attempted robbery and a sexual assault in Harbour Road, Whitstable, on January 27, and robbery in Nelson Road, Gillingham, on January 13.
• Sexual assault and robbery in Berengrave Lane, Rainham, on October 27.
• Assault causing actual bodily harm at Riverside Country Park, Gillingham, on October 9 and Gillingham Park, Gillingham, on October 13.

Wearing a blue polo shirt, Guscott spoke only to be identified and to enter the pleas.

Detective Inspector Richard Vickery, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “These 18 charges form part of a complex investigation into a number of offences across Whitstable and the Medway Towns, and we want to speak to anyone who has information or concerns regarding these offences or any others.

“We have a dedicated incident room that can be reached by calling 01303 289289. If nobody is available to take your call, please leave a message and an officer will call you back.”

Stories you might have missed

Man critical after being found in street in boxers

Royal Navy intercepts Russian ship off Kent coast

Pedestrian, 80, airlifted after crash

No 'dry ice' in the house as David proposes