MAN FACES RAPE CHARGE ON 18TH BIRTHDAY
JOHN Lamb appeared before magistrates on his 18th birthday charged with raping a 14-year-old girl.Magistrates remanded him in custody to appear at Swindon Crown Court for a plea and directions hearing on October 11.
Lamb, of Ramsbury Avenue, Swindon, spoke only to confirm his name.
The alleged attack happened near the park in Hillary Close, Penhill, on September 13.
Detectives charged him with the offence on Wednesday night.
The teenager appeared before magistrates for the first time on Thursday.
Magistrates, who are usually compelled to withhold the identity of defendants aged under 18, decided not to impose a ban on his identity after hearing his birthday was coming up.
Lamb, who wore a ring in his left eyebrow, spoke briefly to friends in the public gallery as he left the dock.
He was wearing a green top and trousers.
He was later returned to prison.
Following the alleged attack the parents of the girl put out an emotional appeal in the Evening Advertiser to help track down the rapist.
Police released an artist's impression of the suspect after receiving information from the girl.
