North Roe man denies 12 sexual charges

THE JURY trial against a 63-year old man from the north mainland of Shetland who is facing serious charges of sexual assault and indecent and libidinous behaviour towards two underaged girls and a third female got under way at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Monday.

Basil Edward Beatty, of Bayview, North Roe, is denying all twelve charges against him.

The offences are alleged to have taken place at his home address over a four year period between October 2010 and October 2014.

Following the selection of a jury, the public was excluded for most of the day on Monday as key child witnesses were giving evidence.

The jury trial is expected to last several days.