A PENSIONER has appeared in court charged with a series of rapes against two underage girls in Bradford, some stretching back almost 50 years.

Jeremiah Cummings, 73, appeared at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates' Court today charged with 17 offences contrary to the Sexual Offences Act.

The historic allegations are linked to incidents said to have taken place in Bradford, and relate to two girls who were aged under 16 at the time.

A series of nine offences, all charges of rape against a female under 16, are said to have taken place between September 1965 and September 1974.

A further eight offences, all consisting of the same charge, are said to have taken place between February 1976 and February 1984.

Prosecutor Malcolm Christie told the court the matters could not be dealt with at the magistrates' court, and must be transferred to the Crown Court.

Qamar Islam, for Cummings, offered no objection to the case being transferred to the higher court.

Cummings attended the brief five-minute hearing in dark trousers, a light jacket, and a flat cap.

He needed the use of a crutch, and walked with a slight limp.

He spoke to confirm his name, address, and date of the birth to the court.

Cummings did not enter pleas to any of the 17 charges, but Mr Islam indicated he would plead not guilty at Crown Court.

Deputy Judge Andrew Pascoe granted Cummings, of Arncliffe Road, Healey, Batley, bail to appear at Bradford Crown Court on December 23 on the condition he did not try to contact either of the two complainants.