A MAN charged with nine counts of rape on two Littleport teenagers appeared in court today (Monday). Martin Abbs, 30, who is also charged with aggravated burglary, appeared at Cambridge Crown Court separately from 26-year-old Gary Smith, who

A MAN charged with nine counts of rape on two Littleport teenagers appeared in court today (Monday).

Martin Abbs, 30, who is also charged with aggravated burglary, appeared at Cambridge Crown Court separately from 26-year-old Gary Smith, who is accused of aggravated burglary as part of the same incident, which happened at an address in Littleport on November 13.

Both the mens’ wives were at court and whispered messages of support to their husbands as they appeared in the dock.

Smith’s barrister Michael Duffy had argued that his client should face separate proceedings from Abbs because of the severity of the rape charge.

“There has been a frank exchange of words between them,” he told the court.

The Crown Prosecution Service successfully persuaded the judge that the aggravated burglary and rape, which concerned girls aged 14 and 15, were part of the same incident and that the men should be face proceedings together.

Smith, of Carlton Way, and Abbs, of Hazelwood Close, Arbury, were remanded in custody until February 9 when they will re-appear at the crown court to enter a plea.

A provisional trial date was set for May 18.

A 16-year-old boy from Littleport, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is due in Cambridge Youth Court on Wednesday, charged with aggravated burglary as part of the same incident.