A MAN accused of sexually assaulting two girls aged eight and nine has had to leave Winsford for his personal safety.

Michael Carl Appleton, 28, appeared in Northwich Magistrates' Court on Thursday to answer two charges of assaulting a girl under 13 years of age by touching.

The court heard that Appleton, formerly of Ways Green, decided to move to Flintshire because he fears for his own safety following the alleged incident in the early hours of New Year's Day.

The issue of Appleton's current address in Flintshire arose due to the fact that prior to the hearing he had been released by police on unconditional bail. Magistrates and the Crown Prosecution Service raised concerns that his bail conditions did not prevent him from contacting the victims or their families.

But Mr Ibrahim, defending Appleton, told magistrates that the matter was purely administrative as his client has no intention of contacting either of the alleged victims or their family.

He said: "He has moved out of the area for his own safety. The likelihood of any contact will be limited, if any."

Caroline Viviani, prosecuting, told the court that the incident took place at a New Year's Eve party.

Gwen Lavender, chairman of the bench, imposed bail conditions preventing Appleton from contacting the victims, their family or any witnesses named in court.

Appleton will appear at Northwich Magistrates' Court on June 16 when he will be committed to Chester Crown Court for trial.