Spalding man in court over 13 charges of sexual offences against children

A Spalding man will go on trial accused of sex offences against two children.

James Edward Blackbourne, 37, entered not guilty pleas to 13 charges when he appeared at Lincoln Crown Court.

Blackbourne denied one charge of attempted rape on a male aged under-16, one charge of attempted rape on a boy aged under-13, two charges of indecent assault on a boy aged under-14, two charges of sexual assault on a boy aged under-13, and one charge of inciting a boy aged under-16 to engage in sexual activity.

He also denied two charges of indecent assault on a girl aged under-14, one charge of sexual assault on a girl aged under-13, and two charges of rape on a girl aged under-13.

All the offences are alleged to have occurred between 2000 and 2010.

None of the alleged complainants can be named because their anonymity is protected by law.

Judge Simon Hirst adjourned the case for a trial starting at Lincoln Crown Court on 13 June next year.

The trial is expected to last five days.

Blackbourne, of Green Lane, Spalding was granted unconditional bail by Judge Hirst until his next court appearance.

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