A MAN has denied neglect and causing suffering to children at Worcester Crown Court.

Scott Beard, of Princes Drive, Diglis, spoke only to confirm his name and give his pleas.

Beard pleaded not guilty to four counts when the indictment was read out to him by the court clerk.

The counts on the indictment the 52-year-old denies are three of causing assault, ill-treatment, neglect, and abandonment of a child/young person, to cause unnecessary suffering/ injury.

Worcester News: DENIALS: Scott Beard has denied four counts at Worcester Crown CourtDENIALS: Scott Beard has denied four counts at Worcester Crown Court (Image: Newsquest/PA)

The counts involved three separate children, taking place on October 9, 2021.

On that same date it is also alleged there was an assault by beating of a child, which Beard also denies.

 

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No details of the case were revealed in the 20 minute plea and trial preparation hearing on Tuesday (June 7).

Beard, heard his trial would take place on August 14, 2023.

 

Judge warns Scott Beard he must provide statement why he is innocent of the counts

 

Judge Nicholas Cartwright set the stage dates - when reports and evidence for the case need to be disclosed by the prosecution and defence - and the date for when the cross-examination of the children will take place ahead of the trial.

Asking Beard to stand, the judge said there were important dates to note, including August 11 when a defence statement had to be provided to the court.

“In it you must say why you are not guilty of these offences,” the judge said.

Judge Cartwright told Beard, who was given unconditional bail, he must attend the trial, warning him failure to do so could see the trial go ahead in his absence, and he could be committing another offence.