A PENSIONER accused of indecently assaulting a schoolgirl two decades ago will have to wait until 2025 for his trial to take place due to the backlog of cases in the criminal justice system.

Michael Schoolar, of Dunnock Way, Colchester, appeared before Ipswich Crown Court on Tuesday.

The 72-year-old denied two offences of indecently assaulting a 14-year-old girl between August 1 2003 and March 31 2004.

His trial, which is expected to last four or five days, will get underway on February 24 2025.

A pre-trial review will take place in December next year. Schoolar is on conditional bail.