The trial of a 76-year-old Suffolk man accused of a string of child sex offences will not take place until June 2026 because of the backlog of cases in the criminal justice system.

Frank Bowyer of Ridley Road, Bury St Edmunds appeared at Ipswich Crown Court on Tuesday (November 12) for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

He pleaded not guilty to seven offences of sexual assault on a child under 13, seven offences of assault of a child under 13 by penetration and four offences of indecent assault.

The offences are alleged to have been committed between January 2001 and 2011 and relate to three alleged victims.

Bowyer’s trial, which is expected to last seven days, will get underway on June 22 2026.

A pre-trial review will take place on January 23 2026.

Bowyer is on bail.