AN 80-year-old man who is accused of raping a girl aged five or six more than 50 year ago is to face trial by judge and jury.

Arthur Johnson, of Meadowcroft, pleaded not guilty to multi-incident counts of rape, indecent assault and indecency with a child in relation to the same complainant.

Johnson, who uses a wheelchair, denied the alleged offences, which are said to have taken place between June 1965 and April 1967, when he appeared at Swindon Crown Court.

Judge Robert Pawson adjourned the case to Monday, November 6, when Johnson will face trial at Salisbury Crown Court which has better facilities for disabled defendants.