A PENSIONER who has denied a string of child sex offences alleged to have taken place in Worcester in the late 1970s and early 80s is due up for trial today.

Lawrence Kember pleaded not guilty to all 14 counts when the charges were formally put to him last July at Worcester Crown Court. The trial is listed before Judge Martin Jackson.

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

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.

Meanwhile, Nigel Burke and Steven Burke are also listed for trial today. A plea and trial preparation hearing is listed for Daniel Davies.

Judge James Burbidge QC is due to hear a series of plea and trial assessment hearings. This is where the judge, together with legal counsel, helps prepare cases in advance of trial.