A COWLING man has appeared before Skipton magistrates charged with four counts of sexual activity with a girl between the ages of 13 and 15.

One of the incidents is alleged to have occurred in Skipton while three charges relate to alleged incidents in Bradford.

The incidents are alleged to have occurred between a four month period last year.

Jake Smith, 24, of Lingcrag Gardens, is also charged with one count of engaging in sexual communication with a girl under the age of 16 for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification.

Represented by John Mewies, Smith, wearing a camouflage print T-shirt, trainers and black tracksuit bottoms, entered a ‘no plea’ indication.

He was given conditional bail to appear at Bradford Crown Court on September 8 at 9.30am for a pre-trial hearing.

He was told he must not make any attempt to communicate with the girl in relation to the charge of sexual communication.

He was also told he must not be left unsupervised when in the company of persons under the age of 16.