A pensioner has appeared in court accused of sexually abusing a child more than a decade ago.

Wheelchair-bound Brian Skipper appeared at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday supported by his wife.

The 76-year-old has been charged with 11 offences including six counts of sexual assault of a girl under 13 by penetration and three counts of inciting a girl under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity.

Skipper, of Seacroft Road, Broadstairs, has also been charged with two counts of intentionally touching a girl under the age of 13 and that the touching was sexual.

The offences are alleged to have occurred between April 2009 and April 2015 in the Ramsgate and Northampton areas.

During the brief hearing, Skipper spoke only to confirm his name, age and address.

Prosecutor Neil Sweeney told District Judge William Nelson the six charges of sexual assault of a girl under 13 by penetration could only be dealt with at crown court as they were indictable offences only.

Judge Nelson agreed and sent all the cases to Northampton Crown Court.

Skipper is expected to appear there for a preliminary hearing on November 11 and was granted bail until his next hearing.