Reading builder to face re-trial over child sexual abuse charges

A READING builder will face trial for alleged child sexual abuse later this year.

Martin Collins, of Lower Henley Road, will stand in the dock accused of six offences in September.

This comes after a jury could not make a decision on his guilt in relation to these six charges at a trial last month.

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At a hearing today, counsel Rebecca Fairbairn told Judge Edward Burgess that the prosecution would be seeking a retrial for the six counts.

Reading Crown Court.

Reading Crown Court.

Judge Burgess ordered a five-day hearing starting Monday, September 27, where Collins will stand trial for two counts of indecent assault on a girl under 14, two counts of sexually assaulting a girl under 13, one count of inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity, an one count of gross indecency with a child under 14.

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Until then, 65-year-old Collins has been remanded on bail and is not allowed to contact any of the prosecution’s witnesses nor is he allowed any unsupervised contact with anyone aged under 18.

Collins appeared at Reading Crown Court on Wednesday, May 12.

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Reading Chronicle | Town Centre