An Isle of Wight councillor has pleaded not guilty to historic charges of child rape.
The councillor faced the Isle of Wight Crown Court today (Monday), on one charge of indecent assault of a girl under the age of 14 years and two of rape of a girl under the age of 16.
The incidents are said to have happened between 1989 and 1992.
Pleaded not guilty
The councillor pleaded not guilty to all three charges.
The matter was first heard at the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court earlier this year, but was sent to the Isle of Wight Crown Court to be dealt with.
Trial preparation hearing
The councillor had been bailed to reappear today, for a plea and trial preparation hearing.
The trial date has been set for 13th February 2023, and it is expected to last for five days.
A further pre-trial hearing has been listed to sort out other details on 5th September. The councillor was bailed conditionally until then.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
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