The trial of two men charged with child sex offences which date back to the 70s has been delayed due to one of the defendant’s ill-health.

John Stingemore, 71, of Stonehouse Drive, St Leonard’s on Sea, East Sussex, has denied five counts of indecent assault, one of taking indecent images of a child and one of indecency with a child.

The wheelchair user managed Grafton Close care home, run by Richmond Council.

The case is next due at Southwark Crown Court for a mention hearing on June 13.

Also appearing is 66-year-old Father Anthony McSweeney, of Old Brighton Road North, Pease Pottage, who pleaded not guilty to two counts of indecent assault, one of taking indecent images of a child, three of making indecent images of a child and one of possessing indecent images of a child.

A provisional trial date was set for April 28 but this has been put back due to Mr Stingemore’s ill-health.