A MAN from Upper Eden facing charges which allege that he sexually assaulted young girls will stand trial in the new year.
John Ashley Dobson, 64, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court earlier today (THURS). He faced a total of seven charges – all of which he denied.
Four allege that Dobson, of Croft Close, Brough, indecently assaulted a girl aged under 14 around the turn of the 1990s. One of these charges alleges multiple indecent assaults – “on at least five occasions”.
Two other charges relate to a second girl. One alleges sexual assault, and the other alleges that Dobson caused that child to “watch a sexual act”.
A third girl is named in the seventh charge, which alleges that Dobson attempted to cause a girl aged under 13 to engage in sexual activity.
Dobson pleaded not guilty to all of the allegations during today’s short hearing in front of Judge James Adkin. The defendant spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, nationality and to deny each of the charges.
A timetable for the progression of the case was set by prosecutor Andrew Ford.
Dobson was told by Judge Adkin that his trial before a jury would start at the crown court on January 10. In the meantime, the judge granted him bail.
