An AWOL soldier has appeared in court charged with the sexual assault of a 24-year-old man.
Thomas Mark Davies, 22, originally from Trinant, appeared before Caerphilly Magistrates on Wednesday to face a charge of sexual assault after a 24-year-old man was found injured in a street.
On Wednesday, Davies, who has served in Afghanistan, appeared alongside Liam Price, 21, Niall Price, 19, and Owain Turner, 21. Davies is charged with sexual assault by touch while the other three are charged with sexual assault by penetration.
Price, Turner and Price, who gave no addresses to the court but are from the Oakdale and Croespenmaen areas, face a charge of actual bodily harm.
The alleged victim was found injured in a street in Croespenmaen on Satuday morning. He was later taken hospital
Davies gave his address as no fixed abode and the court was told he was currently absent without leave from the army. He was refused bail.
The other three men made no application for bail and were remanded in custody.
They are due to appear before Newport Crown Court on Thursday, August 25.
Gwent Police have said four other people arrested in connection with the assault have been bailed while a further two have been released without charge.
A 17-year-old girl arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs and assault, and a 23-year-old man arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs have been released on bail.
A 32-year-old man and a 23-year-old man arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs and sexual assault have also been bailed pending further enquiries.
A 20-year-old man arrested on suspicion of being concerned with the supply of controlled drugs and sexual assault and a 23-year-old man arrested on suspicion of being concerned with the supply of controlled drugs and assault have been released with no further action.