Stuart Hall In Court On 15 Rape Charges

Stuart Hall has appeared in court charged with 15 offences of rape relating to two girls.

The 83-year-old veteran broadcaster also faces a charge of indecent assault.

During the brief hearing at Preston magistrates court Hall was asked to identify himself and replied, "I beg your pardon?" as he appeared to struggle to hear the proceedings.

He then gave his name as James Stuart Hall and his address as Prestbury Road, Wilmslow.

Hall listened as the charges were outlined. No pleas were entered.

The charges relate to two girls aged 11 or 12 and 16 at the time.

Hall is alleged to have committed seven counts of rape against one girl between 1976 and 1978 in Manchester, when she was aged between 14 and 16.

He is also accused of eight counts of rape and one count of indecent assault against a second girl, who was aged between 11 or 12 and 15 at the time.

These offences are said to have taken place between 1976 and 1981 at various locations in Greater Manchester and Cheshire.

Hall is currently serving a 30-month jail term after he admitted sexually abusing 13 victims, one as young as nine, over a period of nearly 20 years.

The latest set of charges came to light after the case earlier this year and are not related to it.

Hall was remanded in custody until November 29 for a further hearing at Preston Crown Court.