A man has pleaded not guilty to multiple cases of child sexual assault and rape dating back to the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Karl Chadwick denied 23 counts when he was arraigned at Burnley Crown Court earlier this week.

The charges include six counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 16 between 2001 and 2005, and also four counts of rape, a sexual assault and an assault by penetration on the same victim.

He is also charged with three counts of indecent assault on another girl under the age of 16 dating between 1995 and 2004, as well as attempted rape and rape.

The remaining charges include four counts of sexual activity with a child, and two counts of rape in respect of a boy under the age of 16 between 2005 and 2006.

The incidents are all believed to have taken place in the Whitworth area.

Chadwick, of Belgrave Street, Rochdale, denies the charges and will stand trial on January 8, 2024.

The trial is expected to last 10 days.

Chadwick was granted unconditional bail until his next court appearance.