A RAILWAY worker accused of being the Trophy Rapist today denied attacks on five women and four girls when he appeared before a judge at Maidstone Crown Court.

Antoni Imiela firmly replied "I am not guilty" to nine charges of rape, one of attempted rape, one of indecent assault and one of kidnap. The 48-year-old married father will stand trial at Maidstone Crown Court on January 13 next year.

German-born Mr Imiela, of Heathside, Appledore, near Ashford, is accused of a spate sex attacks on girls mainly in the south east of England.

Mr Imiela, dressed in a black top and blue trousers, was flanked by two prison officers as he sat with his arms crossed in the dock.

He is charged with raping a girl, aged 10, in Ashford, on November 15 2001, raping two women on July 11 last year, twice raping a woman on July 16, raping a woman on August 6, raping a woman on August 7, raping a girl, aged 13, on September 6 and raping a girl, aged 14, on October 25.

He is further accused of kidnapping a girl, aged 10, indecently assaulting her and attempting to rape her on November 21.

Operation Orb was launched by five police forces earlier this year. The attacker was dubbed the Trophy Rapist because he took items from victims.

Mr Imiela was remanded in custody. Judge Andrew Patience, QC, has ordered that no photographs, images, or E-Fits of Mr Imiela should be published until further notice.