A FORMER policeman has pleaded not guilty to 13 sexual offences including rape of a young girl.

David Waller is accused of grooming young girls for sex and faced three charges of rape against two teenage girls when he appeared by Teesside Crown Court on Tuesday afternoon.

The 33-year-old, of Autumn Grove, Stockton, denies all charges which allegedly took place between December 2004 and April 2016.

The court heard how the offences took place against several victims, including one who was involved in a Cleveland Police investigation. The former PC is facing a charge of misconduct in a public office as a result.

The defendant, wearing a blue suit, white shirt with red tie, sat impassively as the judge outlined details of the jury selection process.

The prosecution opening is due to take place on Wednesday morning when Matthew Bean will outline the case against the former police officer.

The trial continues.