A PENSIONER has denied a string of child sex offences alleged to have taken place in Worcester in the late 1970s and early 80s.

Lawrence Kember will face trial after he pleaded not guilty to all 14 counts when the charges were formally put to him at Worcester Crown Court on Tuesday.

The 74-year-old of Edith Berry Court, Malvern, was asked to confirm his name before the charges were put to him.

He denied five counts of indecent assault, two of indecency with a child and two of sexual intercourse with a child against the first complainant who was under 13 at the time.

These offences are alleged to have happened between February 6, 1979 and September 3, 1984. One of the indecent assault counts (count six on the indictment) specifies that Kember carried out the assaults ‘on at least three occasions’.

One of the sexual intercourse counts (count nine) also says the offence took place ‘on at least four occasions’.

He further denied three counts of indecent assault and two of attempted sexual intercourse against a child under the age of 13 in relation to a second complainant.

These offences are alleged by the prosecution to have taken place between July 30, 1979 and September 4, 1984. Both complainants have been video interviewed which is expected to form part of the case when it is heard by a jury.

Fiona Elder appeared for the prosecution at the plea and trial preparation hearing in court one. Rebecca Filletti appeared for the defence.

Judge Nicolas Cartwright set the case down for a five day trial at Worcester Crown Court on May 10 next year. A pre-trial review will also take place on April 7 this year. Judge Cartwright granted the defendant unconditional bail until the next hearing.