A man extradited from New Zealand is to stand trial on sex charges dating back 46 years.

Leslie Leathley, 70, formerly of Gillingham, flew 11,500 miles from his home in Napier to face allegations made by two women.

Today he appeared in the dock at Maidstone Crown Court and pleaded not guilty to six offences.

They include indecent assault charges on a child aged between four and six years which are alleged to have taken place between December 1973 and December 1976.

He also denied five other charges of indecency with a child and indecent assault from 1977 and 1985.

Dressed in a purple V neck pullover, Leathley spoke only to confirm his name and to enter his not guilty pleas.

Judge Stephen Thomas heard from defence barrister Tom Stern that Leathley has lived in New Zealand for 17 years and had agreed to be extradited to Britain.

He was granted bail until the trial which is expected to take place on May 11 next year.

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