A PENSIONER has appeared in court to deny 11 child sex offences.

Michael Tucker, aged 70, appeared in Weymouth Magistrates Court on Thursday, April 24.

He is charged with one count of rape, three charges of assault by penetration, two charges of assault by touching, three counts of causing/inciting to engage in sexual activity, one count of causing a child under 13 to look at sexual activity and one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13.

The charges relate to alleged incidents in Dorset between July 4, 2017 and July 3, 2021.

Tucker, of Sherren Avenue, Charlton Down, pleaded not guilty to all charges. The case has been sent to Bournemouth Crown Court and will next be heard on May 23.

Tucker was released on bail with a condition not to contact three people involved in the case, and not to enter a road near Dorchester.