A PHOTOGRAPHER accused of sexually and indecently assaulting young women during modelling sessions at his Gateshead studio has appeared in court for the first time. Robert John Eyre, 55, appeared in Belmont Local Court on Wednesday charged with assaulting a 17-year-old girl and a 21-year-old woman at his photography studio between 2009 and 2012.
Mr Eyre - arrested by detectives last month - was initially charged with two counts of inciting a person 16 years or over to commit an act of indecency and two counts of assault with an act of indecency.
He now faces two fresh charges alleging he raped the 17-year-old girl and indecently assaulted her.
One of the charges states Mr Eyre touched and squeezed the 21-year-old's breasts through her clothing.
Defence solicitor Mark Ramsland asked Magistrate Michael Morahan for an eight-week adjournment to give police time to compile the brief of evidence against Mr Eyre. Mr Morahan adjourned the matter until December 5. Outside court Mr Eyre turned away from a media photographer in an attempt to hide his face.
Mr Eyre's website for his company, Rob Eyre Photography, says he is a Newcastle-based photographer "with experience in all formats of photography, model portfolios, fashion, editorial, product and a passion for dancer photography".
Police say inquiries are continuing and anyone with information should come forward.
Mr Eyre is the second Gateshead photographer to be charged with assaulting women at a photography studio.
Allan Todd Cameron, 55, appeared in Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday charged with 65 counts involving 11 women dating back to 2009.
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