Trial set for pair on historical allegations

OLIVER CLAY

A Runcorn man and woman have appeared in court charged in connection with historical allegations.

Roy Woodward, 56, of no fixed address, appeared via videolink from custody at Chester Crown Court where he pleaded not guilty to a range of charges relating to the same complainant.

He denied nine counts of indecent assault against a child some covering multiple allegations, indecency with a child, three counts of rape of a girl under 16, and two counts of rape of a woman.

Anna Pope appeared for the prosecution, Andrew McInnes for Roy Woodward and Maria Masselis for Gaynor Woodward.

Judge Patrick Thompson presided.

A trial date was fixed for Monday, January 10 with a seven-day estimate.

Counsel and the judge agreed a timetable for case progression and submissions.

Roy Woodward was remanded back into custody.

The court heard his trial is due to take place before his custody time limit expires.

Gaynor Woodward, 57, of Worcester Court, Runcorn, denied one count of child cruelty.

Judge Thompson granted Gaynor Woodward bail on condition of non-contact with the complainant.

The case relates to alleged historical offences.