Fuel protester in court on sex charge

Clive Swan was a prominent figure during the fuel protests

One of Wales's farming leaders and a key figure in last year's fuel protests has appeared in court charged with indecently assaulting a schoolboy.

North Wales farmer Clive Swan, 37, appeared at Flintshire Magistrates Court on Tuesday charged with an assault on a 13-year-old boy.

Mr Swan, of Frith Farm, Treuddyn, near Mold, is a former chairman and now president of the Clwyd branch of the National Farmers' Union.

Clive Swann: Charged with indecenct assault

Married with two young children, he gained a high profile last year as one of the leaders of Welsh farmers protesting against high fuel prices.

He has also been a leading campaigner against the import of cheap Irish and European beef into the British market.

A well-known figure in his home village of Treuddyn, he runs a business selling produce from his farm door-to-door.

Mr Swan is alleged to have indecently assaulted the boy on 19 February this year.

Reporting restrictions were not lifted and an order was made that the child involved should not be identified.

The case was adjourned until March and Mr Swan was bailed on condition that he should not approach the complainant or his family.