A PENSIONER has appeared in court and denied indecently assaulting boys in the early 1980s.

At Bolton Magistrates’ Court, Michael Coleman, aged 74, of Glaister Lane, Breightmet, spoke only to confirm his name and address and indicate he will be pleading not guilty.

Darin Millar, defending, told the court that the pensioner “vigorously denies” the charges against him.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction over the case.

Coleman will next appear at Bolton Crown Court on October 9 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

In the meantime he was granted unconditional bail.