A MAN has been charged with the rape of a 16-year-old girl in Bradford almost two decades ago.

Anthony Mottram, 48, of Weeland Road, Sharlston Common, Wakefield, has been charged with the offence which he is alleged to have committed in June 1997.

He has also been charged with four counts of indecent assault and one count of possessing an offensive weapon.

Mottram made his first appearance before Leeds Magistrates' Court today after he was arrested by West Yorkshire Police.