A 67-year-old retired teacher appeared before magistrates yesterday charged with 14 counts of sexual abuse on two children more than 30 years ago.

Alan Brigden, who lives in Amsterdam, in Holland, is accused of four offences of assault with intent to commit serious sexual assault and four further offences of gross indecency with a boy under the age of 14.

Brigden also faces six allegations of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 14.

Ipswich Magistrates' Court heard that all the alleged offences took place between 1977 and 1980 at two schools.

The charges come after a long-running inquiry into allegations relating to the former St George's School, which was originally based in Wicklewood, near Wymondham, before relocating to Great Finborough, near Stowmarket. It is understood that at the time of the alleged offences Brigden was teaching at Wicklewood and a school in Sussex.

Magistrates committed Brigden's case to Ipswich Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing on January 24.

He was told the window for any trial would be between May 28 and July 15.

At the end of the 15-minute hearing Brigden was remanded in custody until his next court appearance. No bail application was made on his behalf.