THE former president of Abingdon Chamber of Commerce has appeared at Oxford Crown Court accused of a series of sexual offences.
Paul Townsend, of Hadland Road, Abingdon, is charged with 16 counts against four girls alleged to have taken place between May 2010 and August 2012.
They include eight counts of sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15, four counts of causing or inciting a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity, three counts of sexual assault on a female aged 16 or over, and one count of sexual activity with a girl under 13.
Townsend had been on the committee of Dunmore Pre-school since September last year, dealing with the committee’s business affairs. He stepped down after he was charged.
None of the alleged offences relates to the pre-school.
The 28-year-old was released on bail and is due to enter a plea at the Crown Court on Friday, July 19.
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