Man in court over child rape allegations

Adam Aitken (28) of Kinnears Walk, Orton Goldhay, appeared at Peterborough Crown Court via video link from HMP Bedford.

Wearing a grey sweater and sporting a goatee beard, Aitken spoke only to confirm his name to the court clerk during the short hearing.

Aitken is charged with three counts of sexual assault of a boy aged under 13, three counts of inciting sexual activity with a boy aged between 13 and 15, one count of inciting sexual activity with a boy aged under 13, two counts of sexual activity with a boy aged between 13 and 15, two counts of sexual activity with a boy aged under 13, one count of rape of a boy aged 13-15, one count of rape of a boy aged under 13, three counts of sexual assault of a male, one count of causing a child aged 13-15 to watch sexual activity and one count of causing a child aged under 13 to watch sexual activity.

Aitken had been scheduled to enter pleas to the charges at the hearing, but Nicola Devas, defending, said both the prosecution and defence needed more time to work on legal issues before pleas could be taken.

Judge Jonathan Cooper adjourned the case until Friday, July 29. The hearing will be heard at Peterborough Crown Court.

Aitken was remanded in custody until the next hearing, which is also expected to take place via a video link hearing.