Telford man, 33, denies trying to pay for sex with a child and faces three-and-a-half-year wait for trial
A trial date has been set for December 2028; a judge apologised for the delay caused by an “awful” court backlog
A man has denied trying to pay for sex with a child.
Liam Patrick, aged 33, appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court where he faced three child sex charges.
Patrick, of Hartsbridge Road, Oakengates, Telford, pleaded not guilty to engaging in sexual communication with a child, attempting to pay for the sexual services of a child and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
The alleged offences are said to have taken place in Telford in April of this year.
Recorder Julian Taylor set a trial date of December 11, 2028 - more than two and a half years away. The trial is estimated to take three days.
Recorder Taylor told Patrick: “As you are aware, this case has been listed for trial. It’s an awfully long time off and I’m sorry about that, but there is an awful backlog and you are on bail. The custody cases get priority. You need to keep in touch with your solicitors.”
He granted Patrick bail on the conditions he lives and sleeps every night at the address he provided to the court, and that he does not contact the alleged victim by any means.