A MARRIED couple are to stand trial later in the year on sex charges involving children and possession indecent photographs of youngsters.

Steven and Amelia Coleman, of Bredgar Close, Ashford, denied three charges of child cruelty between December 1999 and November 2004 when they appeared at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday.

Steven Coleman, 41, also denied four charges of rape, two of indecent assault and one of indecency with a child between December 1997 and May 2004.

Amelia Coleman, 29, pleaded not guilty to indecent assault and indecency with a child between August 1999 and May 2004.

Both further denied six charges of possessing indecent photographs of children on June 22 last year.

Granting bail, Judge Philip Statman set the trial date for November 30.