A POWYS man will appear in crown court next month where he faces several allegations of child rape.

William Contestabile is charged with a total of five sexual offences against children, including three counts of raping a child under 13 and two counts of sexually assaulting a child under 13, involving intentionally touching them.

Contestabile, 36, of Nant y Ceulannau, Dolfor, appeared at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, June 14, where his case was sent immediately to Mold Crown Court. He is due to appear there on Tuesday, July 12. 

The defendant entered not guilty pleas to the two sexual assault charges, which are alleged to have occurred between June 18 and 21 last year.

The three rape charges are alleged to have taken place between October 7, 2011, and October 8, 2016.

No pleas were entered to the rape charges as they are indictable only and as such can only be heard at the crown court.

Contestabile must adhere to four bail conditions, which are not to contact two separate witnesses electronically or via social media. He must also not have any contact with any person under 16 unless supervised and he must live and sleep each night at his home address.