By Lucy Caulkett-
The trial of a 79-year-old over historical allegations of rape dating back to the 1980s has been delayed for the fourth time.
A doctor’s report on Ron Grahame(pictured) due to be submitted by today, had still not been completed.
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Judge Rodney Jameson said there was no other choice but to adjourn again, adding that “It’s unavoidable. We really are up against a brick wall.”
Ron Grahame, 79, of Swarncliffe, is charged with one count of attempted rape of a female under 16, two counts of indecent assault of a child under the age of 14 and attempted buggery. The offences are alleged to have taken place in the early 1980s between October 4, 1981 and October 4, 1982.
He is also charged with attempting to commit a further serious sexual offence, and faces two of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 14, between October 4, 1980 and October 4, 1982. He also denies each of those charges.
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In July of 2021, a judge was told that Grahame, of Swardale Green, Swarcliffe, had been assessed as being fit to enter pleas to the charges brought against him.
A trial had been scheduled to take place in June 2022 and then again in December, but it was postponed on both occasions amid concerns about Grahame’s fitness.
If he is eventually considered unfit to stand trial, the trial of facts looks likely to take place. Similar to a criminal trial, it will be heard before a jury, but the defendant does not take part or may not even attend.
Unlike a criminal trial, the jury is not required to return a verdict of guilty or not guilty. The court will not sentence them as normal – but instead has the option of making a number of treatment orders, or an absolute discharge.
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