AN ELDERLY man accused of sexually abusing two young girls has appeared in court.

Reginald Lane from Poole spoke only to confirm his name, age and address during a brief hearing at Bournemouth Magistrates Court on Wednesday, March 4.

The frail-looking 81-year-old, who was pushed into the courtroom in a wheelchair by his son, is facing a total of eight charges under the Sexual Offences Act, which span over a three-year period.

They include five charges of sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 13.

Lane, who was wearing a blue and white tracksuit jacket and grey jogging bottoms in court, is also facing three charges of sexually assaulting a girl between the ages of 13 and 15.

The court heard all of the offences are alleged to have taken place in the borough of Poole between February 12, 2009, and February 12, 2012.

Lane, of Rossmore Road, was not asked to enter a plea during the hearing.

Due to the seriousness of the alleged offences, the magistrates sent the case to be dealt with by the crown court.

The pensioner is next due to appear at Bournemouth Crown Court on March 30.

It is likely that he will enter a plea during this hearing.

The magistrates granted the pensioner unconditional bail until his next court appearance.