Man dies before child abuse trial

The former head of a London care home who faced Crown Court trial accused of child sex offences, has died.

John Darby, 72, from Hunstanton, Norfolk, ran Hollydale Children's Home in Catford, south London, until 1983.

He was due to be tried for offences involving 10 victims. He had admitted indecently assaulting a boy and making indecent images of children.

Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with Mr Darby's death and are not treating it as suspicious.

Mr Darby failed to attend the opening day of his Blackfriars Crown Court trial on 3 November.

An arrest warrant was issued and police found Mr Darby unconscious in his flat.

He died a week later in hospital.

Last year Mr Darby pleaded guilty to 18 offences of making indecent images of children.

He also admitted one count of indecent assault on a boy aged under 16.

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Police are not treating Mr Darby's death as suspicious