A 74-year-old former Llandysul man has been remanded in custody by magistrates accused of sexually assaulting young girls, some of the offences allegedly committed nearly 50 years ago.

Barry Pomphrey Cooper, whose address on the court list at Aberystwyth Justice Centre last week appeared as Brynhebog, Llandysul, and who said he was now of no fixed abode, was charged on 44 counts.

Defence solicitor David Williams said that no pleas were to be entered at this stage.

Cooper, who was charged under the Sexual Offences Act, was alleged to have committed the offences in England between 1966 and 1984.

After Crown prosecutor Ellie Morgan submitted that the magistrates’ court did not have the sentencing powers to deal with the case presiding magistrate Euros Davies and his colleagues declined jurisdiction.

Remanding the defendant in custody Mr Davies said the bench was taking this course due to Cooper being of no fixed abode and for his own protection. An order was made to the press not to identify the alleged victims.

Defence solicitor Stephen Welch did not apply for bail and Cooper is to appear at Swansea Crown Court this Friday (February 14).