A former bus driver will stand trial next year accused of rape.

Peter Gibbs, 58, is alleged by prosecutors to have raped a girl under-16 in the early 2000s.

Appearing before Oxford Crown Court, Gibbs, of Briary Lane, Carterton, pleaded not guilty to rape of a child under-16 and two counts of indecent assault.

READ MORE: Man found with knife at Westgate centre

The alleged victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is now an adult.

Judge Michael Gledhill QC fixed the six day trial for May 15 next year. He apologised, telling him: “I’m sorry that it’s going to take a year to try this case.

“It’s due to two reasons. Firstly, the most enormous backlog of cases [largely due to the Covid-19 pandemic]. Secondly, Mr Amer is a sought-after barrister who has got a full diary until that date.”

Gibbs was bailed with conditions not to contact two named individuals.

Charles Ward-Jackson appeared for the Crown Prosecution Service. Adrian Amer represented the defendant.

Read more from this author

This story was written by Tom Seaward. He joined the team in 2021 as Oxfordshire's court and crime reporter.  

To get in touch with him email: Tom.Seaward@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @t_seaward