A 101-year-old man has denied committing a string of historic sexual offences against three children in what is thought to be the first ever trial involving such an old defendant.
Former lorry driver Ralph Clarke kept his seat and was not required to enter the dock as he pleaded not guilty to 31 charges at Birmingham Crown Court on Monday.
He also told the court clerk his hearing aid had a new battery as he turned down the offer of a hearing loop during the 40-minute appearance.
Clarke, who was born in March 1915, is alleged to have committed 17 indecent assaults, 12 offences of indecency with a child, and two attempted serious sexual offences between 1974 and 1983.
The pensioner, of Erdington, Birmingham, was told that six witnesses are due to give evidence at his trial, which is expected to start on December 5 and last for around two weeks. Dressed in blue trousers and a beige jacket, and wearing wide-rimmed glasses, Clarke used a walking stick and a hand-rail to support himself as he left court on unconditional bail.
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