A MAN from Dovercourt has denied a series of sex offences involving a child following an investigation into sexual abuse.

Christopher Wren has been charged with three counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

The date of the alleged offences are between January 3 and July 21 this year.

Wren, of Hill Road, Dovercourt, appeared in Chelmsford Crown Court via video link from HMP Chelmsford for a Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing (PTPH) before Judge Christopher Morgan.

With long grey hair and a beard, Wren wore a grey t-shirt and spoke only to confirm his name and to enter his pleas.

He is now not due to appear in court again until next year.

A case management hearing was later set for February 23 next year with a further pre trial cross-examination set to take place on March 15.

A provisional trial date has been set for May 7 next year at Chelmsford Crown Court.

The trial is expected to last for two to three days, the court heard.

Wren was remanded into custody following his appearance at court.

Judge Morgan also warned the defendant of the consequences of failing to attend court when required.

The charges came after officers with Essex Police attended an address in Hill Road, Dovercourt, on July 22 this year shortly before 3pm.

Once in the property, a man aged in his 60s was arrested on suspicion of child abuse offences.

He was taken into custody and questioned by police officers.

Wren was later charged by police and first appeared in Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court earlier this year.

A spokesman for Essex Police said at the time: “There will continue to be a policing presence in Hill Road in the coming days whilst our investigation progresses.

“We thank the surrounding community for their patience.”