THE 78-year-old wife of a Keighley church minister has appeared in court to face an indecent assault charge.

Mary Wilson, of Shann Avenue, Keighley, is alleged to have aided, abetted, counselled or procured her husband, The Reverend John Wilson, pastor at the Liberty Pentecostal Church in Keighley, to indecently assault a woman over the age of 16 between January 26, 1985, and January 25, 1986.

Appearing at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates' Court today wearing a white blouse, patterned skirt and a pale green hooded raincoat, she walked with the aid of a frame and spoke only to give her name, age and address.

Her husband, 69, who is due to appear at Bradford Crown Court to face more than 20 historical sex offence charges against women, appeared in the dock to face nine additional indecent assault charges and two additional rape charges. 

He appeared in court with co-accused Laurence Peterson, 58, of Eric Street, Keighley, who is charged with four additional offences of indecent assault on a woman over the age of 16.

Prosecutor Richard Davies said the charges relate to two additional women who had come forward since the first charges came to light earlier in the year.

No pleas were entered.