THE trial of a former conservative councillor has been delayed until next year.

David Smith, who was elected to Middlesbrough Council in last May's local elections, stood down from his role after he was charged with a number of historic child sex offences.

The 31-year-old, of Rainsford Crescent, Middlesbrough, was expected to stand trial yesterday but the case was adjourned due to the ongoing impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

Teesside Crown Court held a brief hearing, which Mr Smith was excused from attending, to set a new date for the trial on April 12 next year.

The former councillor is accused of having sex with a child, engaging in sexual activity with two other children and four teenagers.

In July last year, the former councillor, who represented Coulby Newham, stood down from the Conservative party and resigned as a councillor in January.

In a statement he previously said: “I completely reject these spurious allegations and removing myself from the party will ensure I can focus all my efforts on fighting to clear my name.”

The trial at Teesside Crown Court is expected to last four days.