THE trial of a former senior Anglican clergyman in the North-East, over historic indecency allegations, has been put back until later this year.

George Granville Gibson, who rose to become Archdeacon of Auckland during a lengthy career in the Durham diocese, previously denied eight charges relating to two male teenagers, arising from dates in the 1970s and 80s.

The retired cleric, who has more recently served as an acting pastor at St James the Great Church, in Darlington, was to have gone on trial at Durham Crown Court, later this month.

But, following a hearing in his absence yesterday (Wednesday February 10), all parties agreed to remove the case from the forthcoming list.

Instead, bail was extended for the 79-year-old defendant, of West Crescent, Darlington, to appear at the court for the re-listed trial, starting on July 25.