A PAEDOPHILE-accused has appeared in court charged with trying to engage a child in sexual communication, possession of child sex abuse images and assaulting a police officer.
John Butters, 71, of St Albans Close, Rodbourne, indicated no pleas to charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm in November 2018, attempting to engage a 13-year-old girl in sexual communication over a web forum, and possession of 31 indecent images of children – including 26 in the most serious category, such as child rape.
Appearing before Swindon Magistrates’ Court yesterday dressed in a white shirt and black fleece, Butters spoke only to confirm his name, address, date of birth and nationality.
Magistrates declined jurisdiction over the case.
The Swindon bench bailed Butters to appear at Swindon Crown Court on Friday, August 2, for a plea and trial preparation hearing.
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