A 71-YEAR-OLD man who is accused of eight charges of sexual abuse against boys under 16 has made his first appearance before a court in Carlisle.

Ronald Parker Smith faced six charges of serious sexual assault at Carlisle’s magistrates’ court yesterday. Two are alleged to have been against a boy aged 14 and the remaining four against a boy aged 15.

He also faced a further two charges of indecent assault against a boy under the age of 16. The alleged abuse is said to have taken place between 1970 and 1974.

Speaking only to confirm his name and address, Parker Smith, of Southwaite Green Cottages in Eamont Bridge, was wearing a yellow shirt, black coat and blue and grey tie. He didn’t enter a plea.

The case was sent to Carlisle Crown Court and will be heard on November 1.

Speaking to Parker Smith, judge Gerald Chalk said: “All we have to do today is send you to appear before crown court in Carlisle.”