A PENSIONER accused of historic sex assaults on a boy is to stand trial in front of a jury next year.
Ronald Parker-Smith, 71, faced a total of eight charges – which arise out of alleged incidents dating back to the 1970s – when he appeared at Carlisle Crown Court this morning (FRI).
Two of these allege indecent assaults on a secondary school aged male. Five others allege serious sexual assaults on the same boy, and a further charge alleges an attempted serious sexual assault on the complainant.
During today’s short hearing before Judge Nicholas Barker, Parker-Smith entered not guilty pleas to all eight charges.
A timetable for the progression of the case was outlined by Tim Evans, for the prosecution.
Parker-Smith, of Southwaite Green Cottages, Eamont Bridge, near Penrith, was told he will stand trial at the crown court. This is due to start on April 20 and, it is estimated, will last around four days.
In the meantime, Parker-Smith was granted unconditional bail by Judge Barker, and told he must also attend a pre-trial hearing at the court on April 13.
