A 61-year-old man has appeared before magistrates accused of raping a child 47 years ago.
Thomas Ian Messenger, of Morton Rigg, appeared at the city's Rickergate court today.
According to court papers, he is accused of raping the child in Carlisle in July, 1970.
In court, he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, and address.
His lawyer Mark Shepherd said his client intends to plead not guilty.
Magistrates granted Messenger unconditional bail and committed the case to Carlisle Crown Court for a hearing on November 13.
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