Woman accused of having sex with a dog as part of 'dark web' child sex ring

Two people have appeared in court accused of playing a role in a "dark web" child sex ring.

Maria Alfonzo, 31, is also accused of having sex with a dog in Alnwick, Northumberland.

Co-defendant Caroline Scurr also faces multiple child sex allegations, reports ChronicleLive.

All the alleged offenses are said to have occurred this year.

They, along with a third defendant Simon Mallen, are accused of arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offense.

Neither female defendant entered a plea at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court. Their co-accused, Mallen, was not present.

Scurr, 42, of North Shields, remained largely silent throughout the 20-minute hearing, only speaking to confirm details including her address.

Alfonzo, who gave her nationality as Venezuelan, appeared via video link.

She faces a separate charge of allowing sexual penetration by a living animal, namely a dog.

Alfonzo, whose last listed address was Kingskerswell, in Devon, was remanded into custody.

Magistrates granted Scurr conditional bail. Her conditions include having no contact with any child under 16.

Both defendants will next appear at  Newcastle Crown Court on January 8. The court heard the case has been reserved for Judge Christopher Prince.