A NURSE has been charged with child sex offences dating back two decades.

Keith Michael Williams, who works at a mental health nurse at Monkwearmouth Hospital in Sunderland, was investigated by police over allegations he indecently assaulted children.

The 54-year-old was then charged in November last year with 14 offences of indecent assault on a child under the age of 14.

He appeared at Sunderland Magistrates’ Court last December and is due to appear there again at the end of this month.

Mr Williams, of Millfield, Sunderland, was brought before the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) last month where he was suspended from working for 18 months.

Court officials confirmed Mr Williams was facing a series of charges under the Sexual Offences Act.

It is understood the charges relate to more than one alleged victim.

A document from the NMC stated: “Given the serious nature of the allegations, the panel has concluded that some form of interim order is necessary on the grounds of public protection; an order is also otherwise in the public interest, in order to maintain confidence in the professions.”

The order will prevent Williams from working as a registered nurse anywhere in the country.

The charges date back as far as 1993.

It is understood that Mr Williams was initially arrested last March before being charged with the offences eight months later.

Mr Williams is due to appear back before Sunderland Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, January 30.