A MAN has appeared in court after being charged with raping a girl.

Matthew Wreford, 42, from Newport, also faces allegations of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and sexual communication with a child.

The defendant, of Torridge Road, Bettws, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court via a video link from Parc Prison in Bridgend.

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Wreford is due to face a plea and trial preparation hearing on September 9.

A provisional trial date was set for January 9 next year.

Wreford was represented by Stuart John and the prosecution by Ffion Tomos.

The defendant was remanded in custody by Judge Jeremy Jenkins.