Man accused of raping 15-year-old

A man from west Belfast has been remanded in custody accused of raping a 15-year-old girl.

The 36-year-old, who cannot be named to protect the victim's identity, faces four separate sex abuse charges which were all allegedly committed on Sunday.

As well as rape, the man is also accused of sexually assaulting the girl and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

He did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody until next month.

The accused was arrested by detectives from the PSNI child abuse unit on 1 Novermber, the day the offences allegedly took place.

He appeared in the dock with two black eyes and had stitches on his face.

A detective constable told the court he could connect the accused to each of the offences.

The man is due to appear in court again in four weeks.