AN SAS corporal who served in Iraq and Afghanistan is to stand trial on multiple child sex offences allegedly committed in the Midlands.

Ian Tuckley, 31, has been accused of 31 offences against three victims, including 12 rapes.

The veteran soldier believed to be a dog-handler who had served with the 22-regiment of the elite fighting force, is on remand in custody after being arrested by British police at the end of last year.

The Birmingham Mail is only today able to reveal Tuckley’s identity after a judge lifted a far-reaching court reporting restriction order.

It had been applied for by the Ministry of Defence, in a bid to prevent any details of his identity and occupation becoming known.

Tuckley, who was based at the SAS headquarters in Hereford, is understood to have served with the world-famous unit for several years, including in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

The squaddie, who was born and grew up in Walsall, will stand trial with his brother-in-law Martin Finney, a former Midland-based St John Ambulance employee.

The pair, who have pleaded not guilty to the charges, will go on trial at Worcester Crown Court on June 6.

The SAS veteran, who joined the Army at 16, is charged with a total of 31 child sex offences including 12 rapes, four indecent assaults and three counts of causing a child to watch sexual activity.

Tuckley is also charged with 21 counts of making indecent photographs of children.