A man has appeared in court charged with nine sex offences against underage girls.

Mohammed Rahman appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on Wednesday morning. The 26-year-old was charged with four counts of raping a girl and four offences of causing/inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity.

Rahman, of West Vallum, Denton Burn, Newcastle, is also accused of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

The court in Newcastle heard how the offences were allegedly committed against two victims.

Rahman, who was wearing a grey jacket, checked trousers and brown shoes, spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth. No pleas were entered by him during the short hearing.

District Judge Paul Currer told Rahman that he was sending his case to Newcastle Crown Court.

He said: "Because they are indictable only offences, I’m not asking you to enter a plea. They are so serious they will have to go straight to the Crown Court and be dealt with there."

District Judge Currer adjourned the case and told Rahman to appear at Newcastle Crown Court at 10am on December 6. He handed him conditional bail until the hearing next month.