Man in court over attack

THE man accused of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old Newcastle schoolgirl in a fivehour ordeal has been remanded in custody after appearing briefly in court.

The 47-year-old, who cannot be named at this stage, did not apply for bail after he fronted Newcastle Local Court yesterday to face numerous charges, including aggravated sexual assault and abduction.

He was arrested on Saturday, after an intensive police investigation following the attack on the girl at Adamstown.

He will appear in court again on Wednesday.