A pensioner accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a boy more than 30 years ago is to stand trial in front of a jury next year.
Donald Eaton, 71, appeared before a judge at Carlisle Crown Court.
During a short hearing, Eaton faced a total of 21 charges.
Twenty of these allege indecent assaults on a male aged under 16. One charge alleges a serious sexual assault (buggery) on a boy aged under 16.
All charges arise out of alleged incidents which are said to have been committed during the 1980s.
Eaton, of Beck Green, Egremont, pleaded not guilty to all 21 charges, in turn, when they were read to him by a court clerk.
He will now stand trial at the crown court. This is due to start on March 27, 2023, with he hearing estimated to last at least three days.
A pre-trial hearing was listed for February 24, and in the meantime Eaton was granted unconditional bail.
