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A serving British soldier raped and molested nearly a dozen young female recruits a different military bases, a court has heard.

Edwin Mee, 45, allegedly targeted 11 victims, aged between 15 and 25, on bases in Cheam, Surrey and Croydon, south London.

Mee denies 20 sex charges dating from November 1, 2010 and September 30, 2011.

He appeared in the dock at Southwark Crown Court today to enter a plea to a fresh charge of rape made against him.

The new allegation relates to one of his alleged victims, who has already accused him of twice sexually assaulting her.

Mee, sporting white hair tied back with a blonde bun, did not enter a plea to the new count of rape, and spoke only to confirm his identity during the hearing.

(Image: Central News)

Previously he denied 17 counts of sexual assault, two counts of rape and one count of assault by penetration at a hearing in February last year.

Mee, a divorced father of five, is said to have carried out the attacks while working as a recruitment sergeant.

Several alleged sexual assaults are said to be related to 'inappropriate touching of the buttocks'.

One complainant accuses Mee of raping and sexually assaulting her on August 23, 2011.

The new charge of rape relates to an alleged incident between November 1, 2011 and February 28, 2012.

The alleged offences were initially investigated by the Royal Military Police, before the case was then handed to the Metropolitan Police. Judge Alistair McCreath QC bailed Mee ahead of his trial on April 7.

"You are free to go now on the bail conditions you have as it is at present to return to stand your trial on the date you are well aware of," said Judge McCreath.

Mee replied: 'Aye, sir.' He must not contact any female under the age of 18, save for his own children, unless he is in the company of an adult responsible for them.

Mee, formerly of Tavistock Road, Croydon, south London, but now living in Scotland, denies 17 counts of sexual assault, two charges of rape and one count of assault by penetration.