A CARMARTHENSHIRE pastor accused of indecently assaulting a young girl will stand trial in October.

David Protheroe Morris, of Llety Fforddolion, in Llanpumsaint, had his plea and case management hearing heard in Welsh yesterday when he appeared at Cardiff Crown Court.

The 60-year-old, who is a pastor at the local evangelical church, denies the charge.

At an earlier hearing in April before Carmarthen magistrates, prosecutor Geoffrey Thomas told the court the allegations had only recently been made.

He said the alleged offence happened when the victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was at Morris's home.

Yesterday, Judge Philip Richards conducted the entire hearing in Welsh, save to speak to a court listings officer to request availability for a trial date in October.

Both the prosecuting and defence barristers also spoke in Welsh, while a Welsh-speaking court clerk sat in on the case.

Morris was granted bail on condition he does not contact prosecution witnesses directly or indirectly, or have contact with children aged under 16.

He will stand trial at Swansea Crown Court on October 4.

julia.bosnyak@swwmedia.co.uk