A HAWICK man has made a private court appearance charged with raping a 14-year-old girl.

Andrew Birney, of Sunnyhill Road, is accused of carrying out the sex offence in the town earlier this month.

The 21-year-old made no plea or declaration during a brief hearing at Selkirk Sheriff Court and the case was continued for further examination.

Birney was released on bail by Sheriff John Halley.