A MAN accused both of indecent assaulting and attempting to rape of a boy four decades ago has appeared in court.

Anthony John Pickering, 59, faces a total of three charges which date back to period of time around the turn of the 1980s.

Two allege the indecent assault of a boy aged under 14. A third charge alleges the attempted rape of the same male complainant.

All of the charges arise out of alleged historical offences which are said by court papers to have been committed in the Windermere area of Cumbria.

Pickering, previously of Claife Avenue, Windermere, appeared at Carlisle magistrates’ court this morning (October 21) over a video link from custody — bespectacled and wearing a grey and black tracksuit top.

No formal pleas were entered by him during a short hearing. He was represented by solicitor Andrew MacDonald.

Pickering’s case was committed to Carlisle Crown Court, where he is next due to appear in front of a judge on Thursday, 18th November.

Ahead of that hearing, Pickering was remanded in custody by magistrates.