A PENSIONER facing a string of child sex offences involving toddlers has been given a date for his first appearance at the crown court.

The case of Lloyd Dorward was heard at Oxford Magistrates' Court yesterday for a first listing.

There the case was sent directly to Oxford Crown Court for a further hearing.

The 64-year-old of Wasborough Avenue, Wantage, is charged with seven counts alleging sexual offences against children.

READ AGAIN: Pensioner faces string of sex crime allegations against toddlers.

He faces three counts of sexual assault of a girl under 13 and three counts of assault by penetration of a girl under 13.

Dorward faces one further count of causing or inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity.

The offences are alleged to have taken place in the Wantage area.

As some of the alleged offences are indictable only the matter can only be heard at the crown court. That hearing will be held on December 5.