Man Denies Kidnapping Girls In Newcastle

A 64-year-old denied kidnapping and indecently assaulting four young girls in the 1980s and 90s in Newcastle and Hampshire when he appeared before a judge on Monday.

David Bryant, of Ulverston in Cumbria, entered not guilty pleas to all eight charges put to him at Newcastle Crown Court.

Two of the kidnap and sex assault offences were alleged to have happened in the Newcastle area in 1995 and involved girls aged four and five.

The other two cases were alleged to have happened in Hampshire in 1982 and 1983, and involved a three-year-old and another girl aged five.

Bryant was arrested following an investigation by the Northumbria and Hampshire forces.

Judge Brian Forster said: ``This is a very serious matter, you are remanded in custody.''

Bryant will go on trial in February.

The judge lifted restrictions which previously prevented the media from reporting proceedings.