Man accused of 29 sex offences

By [egregson]

A 68-YEAR-OLD man has appeared in court accused of 29 sex offences.

Michael Sydney Collingwood, from the Teignbridge area, appeared at Exeter Magistrates Court yesterday to answer four charges of rape and 25 of indecent assault.

The alleged historic offences are said to have taken place over an eight-year period between 1989 and 1997 in the Teignbridge area.

They are alleged to have been committed against six female victims, who were all under the age of 16 at the time of the alleged offences.

Collingwood stood only to confirm his name, age and address during the hearing yesterday.

No pleas were entered to the charges which are all under the Sexual Offences Act 1956.

Collingwood was told that the four rape charges would have to be sent to the city's crown court where they would be dealt with by a judge.

Prosecutor Karen Ball told the court: "There are four indictable only charges.

"I would invite you to send this to Exeter Crown Court.

"The other matters are related to the indictable-only matters so I would invite you to send all of the matters to the crown court."

The case will be dealt with by Exeter Crown Court on Friday, November 20, when a preliminary hearing will take place.

Collingwood was remanded in custody until his next court appearance.