The prison van arrives at Maidstone Crown Court

Antoni Imiela, from Appledore, near Ashford, in Kent, denies nine counts of rape against five women and three girls under the age of 16, between November 2001 and October 2002.

One of the women was allegedly raped twice.

Mr Imiela is charged with the alleged rape of a 10-year-old girl in Ashford, Kent, on 15 November, 2001 and a second alleged rape on 11 July 2002 of a woman, in Redhill, Surrey.

He is also accused of attacking two women in south west London and two other women and a 14-year-old girl in Surrey.

Initial submissions

The former railway worker faces a further charge of raping a 14-year-old girl in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.

He also denies the kidnap, indecent assault and attempted rape of a 10-year-old girl in Birmingham on 21 November, 2002.

Mr Imiela appeared at Maidstone Crown Court wearing a long-sleeve shirt, and spoke only to confirm his name.

The judge, Mr Justice Owen, then heard initial legal submissions on the case, which is being held at Maidstone Crown Court.

He adjourned the trial until 1430 GMT when the process of selecting a jury was expected to begin.

The crown is not expected to make its opening statement in the trial, which could last up to 12 weeks, until Thursday or Friday.