Man in court charged with four rapes in Cricklade in the 1990s (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Homeless Christopher Benton charged with 1990s rapes and indecent assault in Cricklade

4:27pm Thursday 21st February 2013 in News

A SUSPECTED rapist charged with a string of offences committed in Cricklade in the 1990s has appeared in court.

Homeless Christopher Benton appeared at Swindon Crown Court last week accused of four counts of rape as well as indecent assault and gross indecency.

The charges against the 65-year-old relate to complaints made to the police by three different women and are said to have taken place in Cricklade.

It is alleged that the incidents took place between the start of the decade up to New Year's Day 1999.

No charges were formally put to Benton, of no fixed abode, and he did not enter any pleas during the brief hearing.

Recorder Stephen Parish adjourned the case until May 13 and released the defendant on conditional bail until then.

Benton has been told he must live with his brother at Kirkby-in-Ashfield in Nottinghamshire, have no contact with witnesses and stay out of Wiltshire.