A 49-year-old Ipswich man has appeared before magistrates after being charged with multiple counts of rape, sexual assault and GBH.

The 16 alleged offences were committed against 12 dfferent females over an eight-year period between 2012 and 2020.

The charges are: three counts of rape (against two separate victims), seven counts of sexual assault, one count of sexual assault by penetration, one count of malicious wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and four counts of wounding/inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent.

All but one of the incidents is reported to have happened in Suffolk, with one allegation of rape relating to Kent.

The two other charges of rape are alleged to have happened in a flat in Ipswich.

Of the remaining 13 offences, 12 are alleged to have occurred at a business premises in Ipswich town centre, with one charge of sexual assault reported to have taken place at an address in the Felixstowe area.

Paul Saunders, of Eagle Street, Ipswich, appeared before Suffolk Magistrates' Court today, Friday, November 18, where he was committed to Ipswich Crown Court on bail.

The next hearing is due to be held at the crown court on Friday, December 16.