Ex-Villa ace denies abuse

A FORMER Aston Villa and Crystal Palace footballer has appeared in court to deny gross indecency with a 12-year-old boy.

Brian Boggis, 75, who played for the clubs in the 1960s, is accused of assaulting a child under 14 between July 1, 1968, and June 30, 1970.

The pensioner confirmed his name and address and entered his not guilty plea at Cambridge crown court yesterday. Boggis was bailed until trial in March.

The alleged offence happened while he was player-manager for non-league Wisbech Town. Another of his clubs, Cambridge United, list him as one of their “100 Greats”.

The case is part of a probe into historical football-related abuse.