A MILFORD Haven man, facing 13 historic charges of indecent assault of girls under the age of 14 and 16, the rape of a female under 16, and gross indecency with a girl under 14, is to have his case heard at crown court next week.

Gerald Picton, 65, of Observatory Avenue entered no pleas to the charges when he appeared at Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday, March 31.

The charges against Picton date from 1977-1980, and relate to the Milford Haven area.

Picton is accused of raping a female under the age of 16 between May 10, 1977 and May 31, 1979.

He is also accused of 13 charges of indecent assault of girls under the age of 14 and 16 on various dates between May 1, 1977 and May 31, 1980.

He also faces one charge of gross indecency with a girl under the age of 14 at Milford Haven between January 1, 1978 and May 31, 1980.

Picton was bailed to appear at Swansea Crown Court on April 10.

He was granted unconditional bail until that date.