Accused wants trial moved

An Albany man accused of committing historic child sex offences allegedly dating back more than three decades will apply to have his trial moved from Albany.

Kenneth Ernest Norman appeared in the Albany District Court on Tuesday, where one of the 24 charges against him was discontinued by the State prosecution.

Mr Norman is denying 18 counts of indecently dealing with a child aged under 14, three counts of indecently dealing with a girl aged under 13 and two counts of unlawfully and indecently dealing with a girl under the age of 13.

State prosecutor Raymond Soh formally discontinued a charge of indecently dealing with a child under 14 years during a brief court appearance.

Defence lawyer Tom Percy indicated an application would be made for the trial venue to be changed from Albany.

Mr Soh said the prosecution “may well” oppose the application, which will be decided on December 21 when a directions hearing is held to determine the outcome.

The trial is expected to last seven days.

Child abuse squad detectives allege he had sexually assaulted three girls under the age of 14 who were known to him between 1970 and 1978.

It is alleged the incidents occurred between 1971 and 1980 in Albany, Bremer Bay, Shark Bay, Walpole and Bremer Bay.