A MAN has been charged with a child sex offence.

Kerry Constable, a 48-year-old care assistant from Eastbourne, appeared in custody at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Saturday charged with attempting to cause or incite a girl aged 13 to engage in sexual activity.

He was committed for trial at Lewes Crown Court, with an initial plea hearing scheduled for April 21.

The alleged offence does not involve any child local to Eastbourne or Brighton.

The prosecution, authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service, follows an investigation by detectives after information was received from a member of the public.

Police officers arrested Constable at his previous address in Pagham Close, Eastbourne.

Constable, who was released on bail, no longer lives in Sussex.