Presteigne pensioner accused of 16 historic sex offences will be dealt with at the crown court.

Paul Withnell appeared at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates Court on Tuesday but he did not enter any pleas.

The 73 year-old of Broad Street, New Radnor faces four charges of gross indecency with a girl under 14 between October 8 1981 and October 7 1989, six counts of indecent assault on a girl under 16 between October 8 1981 and October 7 1989, two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 between September 1 1986 and December 31 1986 all at Lancashire.

He is also charged with two counts of raping a female under 16 between October 8 1987 and October 7 1990, making 132 category C indecent photographs of a child between October 8 1987 and October 7 1990 at various locations in the UK and possessing 132 category C indecent photographs of a child on July 2 2022

Magistrates sent the case to Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on January 6 2025.

Mr Withnell will remain on unconditional bail until that date.