MAGISTRATES have today ordered the identity of a man accused of raping one of the Bullfinch victims must be kept secret.

The 26-year-old was yesterday charged with raping the then-15-year-old and sexually assaulting another 16-year-old.

He appeared before three Oxford magistrates today and they backed his solicitor's request to ban the public from learning his name.

Magistrates Rosemary Duckett, David Robey and Diana Pettifer ruled the ban was needed because of the risk of prejudice.

The Oxford Mail had submitted it was contrary to the principle of open justice and that the standard rules for reporting ongoing court cases meant there was not a serious risk of substantial prejudice.

The man was remanded in custody and will appear at Oxford Crown Court on Monday.