Torbay man in court on Devon child sex abuse charges

Jake Ormerod, shown arriving at court, has been charged with two offences

A 19-year-old man has appeared in court charged with sexual offences against children in Devon.

Jake Ormerod, of Babbacombe Road, Torquay, is charged with two offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

They are engaging or inciting a girl aged 14 to engage in sexual activity, and sexual touching of a girl aged 15.

Friday's case at Exeter Crown Court was adjourned for a plea hearing on 27 May. Mr Ormerod was remanded in custody to 25 February.

Police are investigating offences against 20 or more victims, mainly girls aged 12 and above in Torbay and Teignbridge in Devon.

And they said on Friday they had received a number of calls which may lead to further victims being identified.

Detectives are also investigating if the claims involve social networking websites.

A letter designed to reassure parents has been sent to those with children attending secondary schools in the Torbay and Teignbridge areas.