A 52-YEAR-OLD former head teacher at an Accrington school has appeared in court charged with historic sexual offences involving a pupil.

James Alexander Bird, of Acorn Close, Leyland, indicated not guilty pleas to four charges of gross indecency with a boy under the age of 16 between September 1 and July 31 2003. He was bailed to appear before Burnley Crown Court on May 6.

Bird has been suspended from his job as head of Newton Bluecoat CE Primary School, Preston.

Paul Schofield, defending, told Blackburn magistrates his client ‘completely’ denied the allegations.