A man appeared at Oxford Crown Court charged with rape.

Tilal Mahdi, of Friars Street, Hereford, is accused of conspiracy to rape a girl under 16, conspiracy to indecently assault a girl under 16 and a further serious sexual offence.

The charges relate to offences committed against one alleged victim in Oxfordshire and the Midlands between June 5, 1996, and June 4, 1998.

The 36-year-old did not enter pleas on Friday and will appear again for a plea hearing on August 1. He is in custody.

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