Trial of man accused of 20 historic sex offences delayed

Raymond Rowland (60), of West Street, Pontefract, was due to go on trial on Monday (18) at Sheffield Crown Court — but the three-week trial has been adjourned until October 14.

Rowland, formerly of Mexborough, denies 13 indecent assaults, five counts of buggery, one count of attempted rape and one count of gross indecency with a child in the 1970s and 1980s.

The majority of the charges relate to alleged offending in Rotherham, but also include Cambridge, Wakefield and Rhyl.

The Recorder of Sheffield, Judge Jeremy Richardson QC, granted Rowland unconditional bail and he will next appear at the court on June 7.