A 46-year-old man denied a charge of abducting a girl of 14 when he appeared before Medway magistrates.

David Milner, of Victoria Street, Gillingham, pleaded not guilty to the charge via video link at the hearing in Chatham. He entered no plea for 22 other charges, eight of unlawful sexual intercourse, and another 14 put to him yesterday afternoon.

These were seven counts of gross indecency and seven of indecent assault, all against a girl under 16. The offences are alleged to have taken place in Gillingham, Blackpool and Thurso, Scotland, on various dates in July and August.

The girl, who lives in Gillingham, cannot be named for legal reasons.

The magistrates decided the case should be heard at Crown Court and remanded Mr Milner in custody until October 7 when he will again appear before them via video.