A TRIAL date has been set for 61-year-old man from Worcester accused of sexual offences against a child.

Antony Blewett has appeared in court today charged with sexual activity with a girl under 13, the alleged abuse said to have started when she was just seven.

Blewett of Selbourne Road, Worcester appeared at the city's crown court where he denied the offences. A trial date has been fixed for May 17 next year before Judge Martin Jackson.

The defendant is charged with assaulting a girl under 13 by penetration, sexually assaulting her on 'more than three occasions' and causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between April 3, 2013 and December 31, 2016 when the girl, who cannot be identified, was aged between seven and 10 years.

All three offences are charged under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

Magistrates had earlier declined jurisdiction for the case because the most serious charge he faces is indictable-only and therefore can only be dealt with by a judge sitting at the crown court.

Blewett was granted unconditional bail.