THE jury in the case of serial rape suspect Antoni Imiela was sent home this evening after their first day of deliberations.

Mr Justice Owen warned the jurors not to discuss the case with anyone until they were brought back to court seven at Maidstone Crown Court tomorrow.

Earlier he had sent out the seven men and five women to consider their verdict on 12 charges against Mr Imiela, 49, of Heathside, Appledore.

They came back once during the day asking to hear again the evidence relating to charges four and five.

Mr Imiela sat in the dock flanked by three prison officers duting his short time in court.

The married railway worker denies nine charges of rape, one of attempted rape, indecent assault and kidnap between November 2001 and November 2002.