Dando case Barry George appears on child rape rap

BARRY George, the man previously acquitted of the murder of TV presenter Jill Dando, has appeared before a court via video link accused of raping a 14-year-old girl 38 years ago.

- BY KELLY WILLIAMS

The 65-year-old, who has an address in Co Cork, faces charges of rape and two counts of indecent assault against the same minor.

The alleged incidents are said to have occurred in the Hammersmith and Fulham area of west London between September 6 and 12, 1987.

Yesterday, George appeared at the Old Bailey via video link from Dublin for a plea and case management hearing.

He only spoke to confirm his name and date of birth. Judge Mark Lucraft KC agreed to postpone the plea hearing by 12 weeks to February 13.

Judge Lucraft stated that George could attend the next hearing via video link again and granted him continued unconditional bail.