A former Bradford man, who was extradited from the US to face historic child sex charges, appeared in court yesterday.

Barry Willoughby, 45, indicated to magistrates that he would be pleading not guilty.

Willoughby, who was brought back to the UK on Thursday, gave his address as Twilight Drive, Pensacola, Florida, when he appeared from custody at Leeds Magistrates’ Court.

He had been due to appear at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates’ Court, but had to be transported by police to Leeds because there was no electricity in the cells area at the Bradford magistrates building.

Willoughby, who was wearing a grey T-shirt with a motif on the front and blue casual trousers, was flanked by two security officers in the glass-sided dock during the 35-minute hearing.

The court was told he faced four charges, three of indecent assault and one of gross indecency, involving a girl under 14, in Bradford, between June and October, 1988.

Willoughby, who also spoke to confirm his name, age and address, confirmed an indication from his solicitor, Hannah Walker, that he would be pleading not guilty to all matters. No pleas were taken.

The magistrates decided the case should be sent to the crown court. Prosecutor Laurie Scott asked for Willoughby to be remanded in custody.

Miss Scott said one of the reasons it had taken so long to bring matters to court was that the defendant had been in America for a considerable number of years.

Applying for bail, Miss Walker said her client was a man of good character, with no convictions or other allegations against him.

He had emigrated with his wife to America before the allegations were first brought to the attention of police and did not know he was wanted until extradition began.

Miss Walker said: “He came back here to face these charges. He wants to fight the allegations.”

Miss Walker said strict conditions could be attached to bail.

Magistrates chairman Ian Allott said it was impractical to make a decision on bail.

He remanded Willoughby into custody. He will appear again next week when bail may be considered.