A Brighton man has been told by a judge that he must stay in prison while he awaits trial charged with trying to abduct and sexually assault an eight-year-old girl.
Michael Belhawla, 24, of Auckland Drive, Bevendean, was charged after an incident in Tidy Street, in the North Laine area of Brighton, at about 8.25am on Saturday (5 May).
He appeared before Judge Christine Laing at Lewes Crown Court yesterday (Wednesday 6 June), after an appearance at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 9 May.
Belhawla is accused of trying to kidnap the girl and attempted sexual assault by touching.
He is expected to enter a formal plea of not guilty to both counts when he returns to the crown court on Wednesday 4 July.
He also faced a number of other unrelated charges.
These included burglary, assault causing grievous bodily harm (GBH), having a weapon and wounding with intent.
Judge Laing remanded Belhawla in custody.
