A MILLOM man has appeared in court accused of rape, indecent assault and sexual touching.

Joseph Gordon Penrith has been charged with nine offences involving more than one victim which are alleged to have occurred between 1995 and 2018.

The 44-year-old is accused of inciting a girl under 14 to commit an act of gross indecency in 1995 or 1996, raping a girl under 16 between 1995 and 1997, two counts of causing a child to look at images of sexual activity in 2006 or 2007 and again in 2018, sexual touching in 2006 or 2007, three counts of indecent assault between 1995 and 1996, and attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child in 2018.

The offences are alleged to have happened in Millom and Haverigg.

As the alleged offences are indictable only the case must be committed to the crown court.

Penrith did not indicate a plea and will next appear at Preston Crown Court on February 14.