Case dropped as accused man dies

Indecent assault charges have been formally dropped after the accused man died following a fire at his home.

Howard Church, 78, suffered 40% burns in the blaze in South Grove, Wymington in Bedfordshire on 8 September, and died in a hospital burns unit.

Mr Church was accused of 12 counts of indecent assault on girls under 14 and was due on trial at Luton Crown Court.

Judge Andrew Bright QC formally closed the case, saying "This is a tragic way for this matter to come to an end."