Sex charges denied

A 70-year-old man charged with sex-abuse offences against a schoolboy appeared at Oldham Magistrates Court yesterday and also faces similar charges in a crown court case.

Anthony Kerr of Netherlees, Lees, was charged with four offences relating to four alleged periods of abuse against one boy under the age of 14 in 1979-1980. Kerr pleaded not guilty to all charges.

District Judge Mark Hadfield was told Kerr faces similar charges in a case being dealt with at Manchester Crown Court. The new charges will also be dealt with by the crown court A hearing is due on April 15.

Kerr was granted unconditional bail.