A FOOTBALLER has been charged with a string of sex offences including rape.
Harry Butters allegedly imprisoned and sexually assaulted the woman, who is aged over 16, in March.
The 24-year-old appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court for a hearing.
Butters is accused of two counts of sexual assault, one of rape and a count of false imprisonment.
All the offences allegedly took place on March 2 in the Darlington area.
Butters, who plays for Darlington FC’s under 23s, was released on conditional bail to appear at Teesside Crown Court next month.
He has been made subject to a n electronically monitored tagged curfew between 7pm and 7am.
Butters has been suspended by the club pending the outcome of court proceedings.
He has so far played 21 times this season – including in Darlington’s 5-0 win over Crook Town Youth on March 1.
The team said in a statement: “The player is suspended until further notice.”
