A VICAR has pleaded not guilty to six counts of indecent assault on females aged under 13.

The Rev Canon James Andrew Christopher Wilson entered the plea at Plymouth Magistrates' Court yesterday.

With a friend and parishioner standing beside him as support, Wilson, the Rector and Rural Dean of Calstock, wore a grey suit, white shirt and patterned tie.

Wilson, 60, gave his address at The Rectory, Sand Lane, Calstock.

Several other people, thought to be parishioners and a clergyman, sat in the public gallery during the hearing.

The alleged offences took place between September 1, 1978 and July 31, 1979, the court heard.

Wilson had not been ordained at the time of the alleged offences.

He was ordained in 1982, but did not become a full-time priest until 1987.

Police previously said that Wilson was not exercising any ministry until the investigation was resolved.

The case was adjourned to November 10 for committal to the Crown Court.

Wilson was released on bail on condition he does not contact six individuals directly or indirectly, and has no unsupervised contact with any child under 16.