A catholic priest accused of sex crimes against children in the 1970s appeared in court today.

Father Francis McDermott, 75, is charged with 20 crimes against six girls and boys - who were all aged under 16 at the time.

Father McDermott, who now lives in Atlantic Way, Westwood Ho in Biddeford, Devon, appeared at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on Thursday afternoon.

All of the alleged offences took place in High Wycombe and Norwich between 1971 and 1978.

He is charged with a string of offences including one count of rape of a female under 16, one count of committing buggery with a boy under 16 and eight counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 14.

After appearing at magistrates’ court, Father McDermott was bailed to appear at Aylesbury Crown Court on November 6.