A man accused of sexually assaulting a boy in the Windermere area more than four decades ago has been told the start of his trial has been postponed.
Sixty-year-old Anthony John Pickering appeared in front of a judge at Carlisle Crown Court earlier today.
During a short hearing, Pickering pleaded not guilty to four charges.
Two allege that he attempted to commit a serious sexual offence on a boy during a period of almost three years around the turn of the 1980s.
Two other charges allege that he indecently assaulted the same boy, who is said by court papers to have been of primary school age at the time.these are alleged to have occurred during the same period of time.
A date for the start of Pickering’s trial in front of a jury had previously been fixed for June 20.
However, Pickering listened today as Judge Nicholas Barker observed that court cases countrywide were being delayed because of the ongoing impact of the COVID pandemic.
“There are many trials that have been outstanding for a long time,” said the judge. “Courts have to do their best to make sure they can be proceeded with.”
Pickering’s trial was set to start later this month, Judge Barker acknowledged. But another trial of a similarly sensitive nature was fixed for the same week, and would now take priority.
On June 20, Pickering’s case will be included in the crown court list for a new trial date to be set. He is due to be present on that date. In the meantime, Pickering — previously of Claife Avenue, Windermere, was told that he would remain in custody.
