A Harrogate man appeared in court today to face a string of historic sex crime allegations.

Stuart Lindsay, 65, of Dene Park Close, was charged with 14 sex-related offences, as well as several counts of assault causing actual bodily harm.

He spoke only to deny the allegations and confirm his address in a short hearing at Harrogate Magistrates Court.

Mr Lindsay faces seven counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 14.

He is also charged with two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 13, as well as one count of attempting to have unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 13.

The defendant is alleged to have raped a female under the age of 16, while he also faces three counts of inciting a girl under the age of 14 to commit an act of gross indecency.

The sex offences were alleged to have taken place in the 1980s, court documents show. The complainants cannot be named for legal reasons. 

Mr Lindsay is also charged with five counts of assault causing actual bodily harm, which also allegedly happened in the 1980s.

The case was adjourned until October 28, when Mr Lindsay will appear at York Crown Court.