A MAN has pleaded guilty to rape and child sex offences at a Hereford park.

Joao Coutinho, aged 50, of Widemarsh Common, Hereford, admitted to the charges of rape, engaging in sexual activity with a child, and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court last week.

The charges are in relation to a rape which took place at Castle Green on April 17.

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At the time, a police spokesperson said officers received a report of a rape which took place at about 12.30pm in the male toilets.

A scene guard was subsequently put in place at the toilets, with an extensive search carried out to locate the suspect. 

Later that evening, Coutinho was arrested on suspicion of rape and charged two days later. He will be sentenced on June 21.