Crown Court case against a Presteigne pensioner accused of 16 historic sex offences has been adjourned.

The case against a Presteigne pensioner accused of 16 historic sex offences has been adjourned at the crown court.

Paul Withnell appeared at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Monday, January 6 for a preliminary hearing. No pleas were taken.

The 73 year-old of Broad Street, New Radnor faces four charges of gross indecency with a girl under 14 between October 8 1981 and October 7 1989, six counts of indecent assault on a girl under 16 between October 8 1981 and October 7 1989, two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 between September 1 1986 and December 31 1986 all at Lancashire.

He is also charged with two counts of raping a female under 16 between October 8 1987 and October 7 1990, making 132 category C indecent photographs of a child between October 8 1987 and October 7 1990 at various locations in the UK and possessing 132 category C indecent photographs of a child on July 2 2022.

Withnell previously appeared at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates Court before the magistrates sent it to the crown court.

Judge Jeremy Jenkins adjourned the case until January 20 and Mr Withnell will remain on unconditional bail until that date.