A MAN has appeared in court accused of raping a six year old girl.

William Harris, who was named on court files as William Elliott, appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court charged with two counts of raping the six-year-old on August 2.

Harris, 29, of Aldervale Cottages, Crowborough, is also charged with sexually touching the same youngster between July and August this year and with making the most serious category of indecent photographs.

Harris, who gave his nationality as Romany gypsy, asked to be released on bail to live with family members.

However magistrates ruled that he should be remanded in custody after he expressed fears of reprisals from his community over the allegations.

The court was told the allegations were “particularly serious”.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Lewes Crown Court on September 9.