This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34118718

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Date fixed for Lord Janner hearing Date fixed for Lord Janner hearing
(34 minutes later)
A judge will decide at a hearing on 7 December whether Lord Janner, who is accused of 22 child sex abuse charges over three decades, is fit to plead. A judge will decide at a hearing on 7 December whether Lord Janner, who is facing child sex abuse charges spanning three decades, is fit to plead.
The date was set at an Old Bailey hearing, which the 87-year-old, who has dementia, was excused from attending.The date was set at an Old Bailey hearing, which the 87-year-old, who has dementia, was excused from attending.
If the judge decides the peer is fit to plead, a full trial may take place.If the judge decides the peer is fit to plead, a full trial may take place.
If not, a "trial of the facts" will take place on 22 February, where a jury will decide if he committed the abuse, with no finding of guilt or conviction.If not, a "trial of the facts" will take place on 22 February, where a jury will decide if he committed the abuse, with no finding of guilt or conviction.
Lord Janner is accused of 15 counts of indecent assault and seven counts of a separate sexual offence against a total of nine alleged victims in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. A back-up date has been set for 5 April.
At Tuesday's preliminary hearing, Mr Justice Sweeney said the disclosure of evidence in the case and updating of medical reports would continue in the meantime.
Lord Janner is accused of 15 counts of indecent assault and seven counts of a separate sexual offence against a total of nine alleged victims in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. He denies the allegations.
BBC home affairs correspondent Tom Symonds said it was expected Lord Janner would not be considered fit to plead in a full criminal trial.
A "trial of the facts" is a relatively rare procedure normally used in cases where a defendant poses a danger and needs to be hospitalised for the safety of themselves and others.
Who is Lord Janner?