A MAN accused of historic sexual offences will go on trial after telling a judge the allegations were made maliciously.

Paul Fitchett, of Parsonage Road, Trowbridge, appeared before District Judge Simon Cooper today charged with one count of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 14 at some point between February 1983 and February 1984 and a further charge of gross indecency with the same child at some point in the two previous years at Pinehurst.

The alleged victim at the time of the charges was between six and a half and seven-years-old.

Wayne Hardy, defending, told Swindon Magistrates' Court that Fitchett, 51, denied the charges and they had been made maliciously.

Judge Cooper declined jurisdiction on the matter and said it would be heard at trial at Swindon Crown Court.