Peterborough councillor charged with child sex offences has appeared in court

Rylan Ray (25) of Westgate, Peterborough, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court for the 10-minute-long hearing.

No pleas were entered and Ray was remanded into custody until February 10 this year to appear again via video link at Ipswich Crown Court.

He is facing 28 charges, which are::

One charge of sexual activity with a child

Six charges of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity

Seven charges of causing a child to watch a sexual act

Five charges of sexual communication with a child

Three of sexual assault.

One charges of rape

Three charges of making indecent photographs of children

One charge of possession of prohibited images of children

One charge of possessing an extreme pornographic image

Ray was elected to represent the Eye, Thorney and Newborough ward as a member of the Conservative group in 2022. He is now an Independent councillor

He will remain in his seat for the time being, unless he chooses to resign, due local government legislation.