A JULY 2025 trial date has been set for a former police sergeant who has denied multiple sex offence against children in Mid Wales and Shropshire. 

John Price, 71 and of Kelso, Scotland appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court – sitting at Telford Justice Centre – where he pleaded not guilty to 15 counts against three claimants between 2013 and 2015.

Price, who dressed in a shirt and tie for his court appearance, is also accused of three counts of making indecent images in categories A, B and C up to 2022, which he also denied.

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He is accused of three counts of sexual assault, four counts of sexual assault by penetration, three counts of inciting a child in to engage in sexual activity, two counts of voyeurism and three counts of rape.

Recorder Ben Williams heard that the next major stage of the process will be on November 15 this year when a section 38 examination is pencilled in.

The trial will be a fixture on July 21, 2025.

Recorder Williams told the defendant: “I’ve confirmed the timetable made when you were last in court (in July) but couldn’t be agreed because of your prior contact with a barrister instructed to represent you.

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“The most important date for you is stage two is when you have to provide a defence statement that is sufficiently detailed because if you come up with things at trial it can work against you.”

Price was bailed to remain living in Kelso, in Scotland, and was not allowed unsupervised contact with people aged under 18.

He was also ordered not to enter Shropshire.