A former Ilkley Cub Scout leader will face trial later this month accused of sexually assaulting a boy during the 1990s.

Peter Francis, 59, pleaded not guilty to three charges of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 14 years when he appeared by video link at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

The charges relate to the periods between January 1 and December 31, 1994, when the boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was aged ten, between January 1 and December 31, 1995, when the boy was 11, and January 1 to December 1, 1996, when the boy was 12.

Prosecutor Vanessa Schofield told the court that the alleged offences took place at the Scout hut on Peel Place in Ilkley, apart from one while the boy was on a summer scout camp.

She alleged that Francis had indecently touched the boy and had “breached his position of trust” within the Scout group.

Francis, who appeared via video link from HMP Full Sutton Prison near York during the brief five-minute hearing, spoke to confirm his full name and date of birth to the court clerk. After entering his not guilty pleas, he acknowledged that he understood the nature of the charges brought against him.

Chairman of the bench Patricia Tillotson told Francis that his case would be transferred to Bradford Crown Court for trial.

Francis was represented by solicitor Julian White.

He was ordered to next appear before Bradford Crown Court on March 26.