A 76-YEAR-OLD Cirencester man has denied 21 charges of sexually assaulting a boy and a girl in the 1970s.

Paul Evans, of Stepstairs Court, Watermoor, is alleged to have abused a girl when she was aged six to 13 years, between 1969 and 1977.

He is also accused of abusing a boy aged six to 11, between 1971 and 1977.

Mr Evans replied ‘not guilty’ as each of the 21 charges was put to him by the clerk at Gloucester Crown Court on Tuesday.

There were 12 charges of indecent assault of the girl and one of gross indecency with her.

There were also five charges of indecently assaulting the boy and three of indecency with him.

Prosecutor Fiona Elder said the trial will last three to four days.

Both complainants will give evidence from behind screens in the witness box.

Judge Michael Cullum granted Mr Evans bail pending trial on a date to be fixed.