Man remanded over schoolboy rape

A 44-year-old man has been remanded in custody after being charged with the rape of a 12-year-old boy.

Craig Bennett appeared before Blackburn magistrates accused of two counts of raping a child, kidnap with intent to rape and making threats to kill.

The youngster was attacked after a man offered him money to search for his dog in a wooded area of Darwen, Lancashire.

Mr Bennett, who is also known as Craig Leese, of no fixed address, will appear at Preston Crown Court on 6 August.