A 76-year-old man has appeared in court accused of several counts of indecently assaulting a young girl and cruelty to a child.

Lawrence Bates, of High Street, Minster, near Ramsgate, is alleged to have carried out the abuses on at least one girl under the age of 14, at homes in Gattons Way, North Cray, Broomwood Road, Orpington, and Rhyl, in Wales, between 1958 and 1968.

Bates appeared at Bromley Magistrates' Court but did not enter a plea. He was bailed until a committal hearing at the same court, on Friday, February 18.