Anthony Hart from Thatcham accused of child rape

A man has been accused of raping a child.

Anthony Hart appeared in the dock at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, April 9.

The 43-year-old, of Stirling Way, Thatcham, is charged with raping a boy at a specific address in West Berkshire.

He is further accused of indecently assaulting the same child at the same address.

Both offences are said to have been committed on the same date some years ago.

Mr Hart, who was legally represented by Beth Vaughan, spoke only to confirm his details.

The rape charge is indictable only – meaning it can only be heard at a higher court.

Magistrates therefore declined further jurisdiction and sent the case to be heard by a judge and, in the event of a trial, by a jury sitting at Reading Crown Court on a date to be fixed.

Mr Hart was meanwhile released on conditional bail.