FIVE men accused of child abuse in Hampshire in the 1970s and 1980s were today committed for trial at Southampton Crown Court.

The defendants appeared at New Forest Magistrates' Court. Their cases were adjourned until January 25, when a plea and case management hearing will take place at the crown court.

Peter Saville, 53, of Blissford Road, Fordingbridge, has already pleaded not guilty to sexually touching a girl under the age of 16.

Patrice Wolfgang Budd, 47, of Avon Road, Bournemouth, has pleaded not guilty to gross indecency with a girl under the age of 16.

Ian Whitlock, 65, of Cull Lane, New Milton, has pleaded not guilty to two allegations of indecent assault and sexual touching.

John Wells, 57, of St James Street, Brighton, is alleged to have indecently assaulted a boy under the age of 16. He has yet to enter a plea.

Terence Shave, 64, of Bramshaw Way, New Milton, has pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting a woman and sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 16.

All five defendants had their conditional bail extended to January 25.

A sixth defendant, Nico Sharque, 44, of Rudd Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, is accused of indecently assaulting a boy of 14. Sharque, who has not yet entered a plea, had his case adjourned to January 18, when he will appear at Southampton Magistrates' Court.

Kenneth Milton, 71, of Ventor Road, Southampton, is accused of raping and indecently assaulting a girl under the age of 18.

Milton, who has yet to enter a plea, will also appear at Southampton Magistrates' Court on January 18.