A FORMER British Airways pilot from West Dorset has denied committing a string of child sex offences.

Bartle Frere, 50, appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court today, facing charges that include indecent assault on a child and possessing indecent images.

Frere was arrested on November 10 last year as he came back into the country.

He stands accused of 25 counts in total, which date back to 2001.

Frere, who lived in Shipton Gorge, but whose address is now in Oxfordshire, has denied all charges against him.

He has been accused of committing five indecent assaults, one offence of indecency and two more serious offences with a boy under 16.

The alleged victim can't be named for legal reasons.

These incidents are alleged to have occurred between 2001 and 2003.

He is also charged with possessing six indecent photographs of children - found at his home - and making four indecent photographs of children.

In addition, Frere is accused of committing two other offences involving a different complainant between 2012 and 2013.

These charges include Frere allegedly engaging in sexual activity with a child under 16.

Frere is also alleged to have recorded the same child performing a private act without their consent for gratification.

The complainant cannot be named for legal reasons.

Frere faces an additional five counts of attempting to arrange or facilitate the commission of child sex offences.

The court heard how these counts involved Frere communicating with other children who lived abroad.

Judge Peter Johnson granted Frere bail with conditions.

It is understood Frere is no longer an employee of British Airways.

The trial is set to last for two weeks.

Elisabeth Bussey-Jones, representing the prosecution, is expected to open the Crown's case tomorrow. The court is also expected to hear from one of the complainants.