THE TRIAL of a man accused of attempting to rape a Swindon boy is expected to begin at Bristol Crown Court this morning.
Ronald Webb is said to have tried to rape the 13-year-old boy in 1986. The charge relates to an eight-week period between June and July of that year.
The 75-year-old, now of Brook Road, Bath, has also been charged with indecently assaulting the same boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons.
Webb appeared before Swindon Magistrates’ Court last November to first answer the charges, where he was represented by Tony Nowogrodski of Albin solicitors. JPs declined jurisdiction, referring the case to the crown court.
The trial, which begins at Bristol Crown Court this morning, is expected to last between three and four days under Judge William Hart.
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