A 56-YEAR-OLD man has appeared in court accused of nine historical sexual offences in County Durham.

Brian Baird, of Ellett Court, off Miers Avenue, Hartlepool, is charged with nine counts of indecent assault children under the age of 16-years-old.

The offences are alleged to have been carried out in Durham over a 12-year period.

Mr Baird spoke only to confirm his name and address during a two-minute hearing at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

He wore a grey hooded jacket and blue jeans in court and entered no plea to the charges.

District Judge Helen Cousins addressed Mr Baird and said: “I take the view that my powers will not be sufficient to take this matter any further so I’m sending you to Durham Crown Court where you will appear at 10am on March 23.

“You will have unconditional bail until that date and time. There’s no control of your movements, but you must attend court.”