A man has been charged with raping a teenage girl after paying for her sexual services.
27-year-old Jack Ball appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court this morning (Wednesday).
He pleaded not guilty to the rape of a girl aged 13 and paying for the sexual services of a girl aged 13 – both alleged offences are said to have happened on the same date in 2021.
The defendant, of Kirkstall Close, Toothill, Swindon, was supported by two women who attended with him and watched the proceedings in the public gallery.
Natalie Cheesman, prosecuting, did not outline further details about the offences due to the fact a charge of rape can only be dealt with in a crown court.
The case was adjourned to Swindon Crown Court on 31 March for a plea and trial preparation hearing.
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Ms Cheesman was content with Ball being released on unconditional bail and Claire Anderson, appearing for the defence, concurred.
The alleged victim in this case has the lifelong legal right to anonymity. It is an imprisonable criminal offence to share any piece of information that could lead to their identification.
