EX-SCOUTMASTER Peter Hamilton-Harvey denied nine charges of historic sex abuse when he appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court.

The 55-year-old, who lives at Dean Park Road in Bournemouth, is alleged to have carried out the offences between 1983 and 1987.

He is accused of five indecent assaults and three offences of indecency with a child, all related to a boy under the age of 10.

Two of the offences are alleged to have taken place in a tent.

The defendant is also accused of a serious sexual offence against the same boy between the same dates.

He spoke only to enter not guilty pleas during the ten minute hearing.

Dressed in a black T-shirt and jeans, Hamilton-Harvey was supported by a number of people in the public gallery.

A trial is due to take place on August 17 at Bournemouth Crown Court.