Further charges brought against former Tynwald Clerk

Further charges have been brought against a former Clerk of Tynwald accused of serious sexual offences.

74-year-old Thomas St John Neville Bates, of Mona Street in Douglas, appeared at Douglas Courthouse today.

He denied two offences of having indecent photographs of children in his possession on or about July 4^th.

Mr Bates has previously denied indecently assaulting a child on or about July 3^rd.

He’s also accused of committing an act of gross indecency with a child in the same time period - a charge that can only be tried at the Court of General Gaol Delivery.

Committal proceedings – where the case is elevated to that court – were completed; he’s been bailed until his next appearance on a date to be set.