A MAN from East Lancashire is set to stand trial accused of sexual offences dating back up to 45 years.

At Burnley Crown Court, Malcolm Duff, 72, pleaded not guilty to 25 charges of indecent assault on a girl in the Accrington area.

Prosecutors say that the offences — all against one alleged victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons — range in time from July, 1971 to July, 1980 and represent three specific courses of conduct.

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Duff, of O’Hagan Court, Brierfield, who was represented in court by defence counsel Afzal Anwar, will now face a four-day trial at the same court, beginning on December 12.

He was released on unconditional bail by Judge Beverley Lunt following a brief plea and trial preparation hearing.