A 56-year-old Leigh man accused of raping and sexually abusing a young girl made his first appearance at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday.

Ian Bevington Simms, of Carr Street, faces two charges of rape, two of attempted rape and five indecent assaults on a girl aged under 13.

They are alleged to have occurred between April, 2000 and August this year.

Simms, who appeared via video link equipment from Forest Bank Prison, was further remanded in custody until January 17 when he is expected to enter his pleas.