A 71-year-old man has been charged over running a prostitution racket.

He is to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court today, Tuesday, March 22, for a first remand hearing.

The pensioner has been charged with rape, human trafficking and controlling prostitution for gain.

As is normal procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

The man was arrested on Monday, March 21, following the search of premises in Carryduff, Co Down.