World-famous concert pianist John Briggs, who is facing accusations of historic sex abuse against boys, appeared before a crown court judge yesterday.

Briggs, 65, of Little Lane, East Morton, near Keighley, sat in the dock at Bradford Crown Court for a ten-minute preliminary hearing.

Briggs, who was awarded an MBE for his community work a decade ago, had indicated at an earlier hearing at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates’ Court that he will plead not guilty to three offences of indecent assault against boys under 16; indecently assaulting a male aged 16 or over; and committing an act of gross indecency with or towards a boy under the age of 14.

The offences are alleged to have taken place at his home in the early 1990s and involved two boys under 16 and a male over that age.

Yesterday, Briggs’ barrister, Nick Askins, said his client was offering no pleas at this time. It would be disputed whether the alleged offences occurred, Mr Askins told the court.

Before and after the short hearing, in courtroom eight, Bingley-born Briggs, a professional pianist and composer for more than 40 years, held hands with a bespectacled, middle-aged woman.

Wearing black-rimmed glasses, a white shirt, pink patterned tie, navy jacket and grey trousers, Briggs answered clearly “I am” when asked his name.

Clean-shaven and with thinning grey hair, he sat with his hands clasped in front of him during the hearing.

Prosecutor Nick Worsley said the trial was likely to last ten days.

Judge John Potter fixed a trial date for February 17 next year but told Briggs he would next be in court on October 18 for a plea and case management hearing.

He continued Briggs’ unconditional bail until then.

Judge Potter warned that if he did not turn up for his trial it would take place in his absence.

Asked if he understood, Briggs replied: “Yes.”

Briggs has played at prestigious musical venues across the world, including the ancient city of Petra, at the request of the Queen of Jordan.