A nightclub boss accused of sexually abusing children more than 30 years ago has announced the temporary closure of his business.

Duncan Bayles, 63, who runs Sundowners in Margate pleaded not guilty to 17 charges relating to four boys at three children’s homes, when he appeared at Canterbury Crown Court on Monday.

In a statement on the club’s Facebook page, Bayles of High Street, Margate, said the venue will temporarily close while new management is put in place.

In the post, Bayles said he intends to “vigorously” defend himself in court, going on: “However in the meantime I believe it is important to do my upmost to protect Sundowners and all those connected to it, as such I have concluded it is best, that I resign from Sundowners with immediate effect.”

Bayles’ trial is due to start on October 14 next year and will last two to three weeks.

At a hearing on October 16, Bayles, denied 11 counts of indecent assault, five of indecency with a child, and one of attempted rape.

The offences are alleged to have occurred between in the 1980s and 1990s, when the complainants were aged under 13.

Bayles was said by prosecutor Toby FitzGerald to be acting as a care assistant at the time in respect of three children’s homes- two in Deal and one in Ramsgate.

His trial is due to start on October 14 next year and will last two to three weeks.

Bayles was released on conditional bail by Judge Mark Weekes until a further case management hearing on May 31.