A MAN has appeared in court for allegedly grooming boys for sex.

Stephen Fogg (pictured left), aged 50, appeared in custody at Plymouth Magistrates' Court accused of taking children he did not know for rides around the city centre on his motorcycle.

Fogg, of Hawthorn Drive in Wembury, indicated 'no plea' to five charges.

Lucy Ray, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said that Fogg had met boys aged 12, 14 and 15 in Plymouth and taken them on rides around the city centre.

She said that there were 'indications of sexual grooming'.

White-haired Fogg faces three charges of detaining a child under the age of 16 without lawful excuse or reasonable authority, removing them from the lawful control of their parents.

He is further accused of meeting or intending to meet a child under the age of 16 with whom he has had contact on at least two previous occasions with the intention of committing a sexual offence.

Fogg also allegedly incited a 12-year-old boy to engage in sexual activity.

All the allegations relate to a period between September 1 last year and March 14.

District judge Paul Farmer ruled that the charges were so serious that they could only be heard in crown court.

Solicitor David Teague, for Fogg, said that he had 'severe learning difficulties' and was living with his father.

Mr Farmer granted bail on condition that Fogg stay out of the city centre, the Barbican and the Hoe and that he remain at home between 7pm and 7am each night.

He must appear again at court on May 10, when prosecutors hope the case will be committed to crown court.