A prison officer has appeared in court accused of failing to perform his duty, by engaging in sexual activity with prisoners in his charge.

David Whitfield, 33, is said to have abused public trust by inciting sexual activity and engaging in sexual activity with prisoners between January 1 2011 and April 4 2016.

The defendant, of Colman Avenue in South Shields, South Tyneside, was working at HMP Low Newton at the time of the alleged offence.

He also faces a charge of sexually assaulting a female between April 1 2014 and March 16 2015.

Appearing at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court on Thursday, Whitfield spoke only to confirm his name, age and date of birth.

District Judge Tim Capstick granted him unconditional bail to appear at Durham Crown Court on December 7.