A 58-year-old man has appeared in court charged with a series of historic sex offences against a young boy.

The Southampton man, who can not be named for legal reasons, did not speak during the short hearing at Magistrates’ Court this morning.

The indictable charges can only be heard at Supreme Court so the defendant will appear at the March arraignments session.

He faces four charges of indecent assault against the boy, which are said to have taken place between 1975 and 1977, when the alleged victim was under 14.

He is further accused of two counts of inciting the boy to commit an act of gross indecency between the same dates.

The defendant is also accused of committing an act of gross indecency with the same alleged victim between 1977 and 1979, when the boy was over 14.

He was released on bail with conditions pending his appearance at Supreme Court.

• It is The Royal Gazette’s policy not to allow comments on stories regarding criminal court cases. As we are legally liable for any slanderous or defamatory comments made on our website, this move is for our protection as well as that of our readers.