Man accused of raping girl, seven, in Fleetwood

Kevin Sutcliffe, 56, of no fixed address, appeared at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court over the videolink.

The offence is alleged to have taken place between January 2010 and December 2011 in Fleetwood, the court was told.

Prosecutor, Pam Smith, said the case must be heard at crown court.

Defence lawyer, Stephen Duffy, who said his client had indicated that he would plead not guilty to the offence, did not ask for bail for Sutcliffe.

The 56-year-old was remanded in custody to appear at Preston Crown Court on February 28 by Blackpool magistrates.