A PENSIONER who is accused of molesting a girl starting when she was nine years old is to face trial by judge and jury.

David Harrod pleaded not guilty to three counts of sexual assault of a child when he appeared at Swindon Crown Court.

Harrod, 71, is said to have abused the child in the three years up to February this year.

Judge Peter Blair QC adjourned the case for trial on Monday, February 22, and released Harrod, of The Croft, Urchfont, on bail until then.