A PENSIONER will stand trial on July 6 charged with a series of rapes against two underage girls in Bradford, some stretching back almost 50 years.

Jeremiah Cummings, 73, of Arncliffe Road, Healey, Batley, appeared at Bradford Crown Court today when he pleaded not guilty to 17 sexual offences.

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.

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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.

The case was sent to the Crown Court by Bradford and Keighley Magistrates in December.

Cummings' bail was extended until the trial date by Judge Peter Benson.