Rape trial date set for broadcaster Stuart Hall

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-21629747

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Broadcaster Stuart Hall has appeared in court charged with one count of rape and 14 counts of indecent assault.

The 83-year-old from Wilmslow, Cheshire, spoke only to confirm his name in the eight-minute preliminary hearing at Preston Crown Court.

The case was adjourned until 16 April when he is expected to enter a plea. A provisional trial date has been set for 2 October.

The charges relate to alleged offences between 1967 and 1986.

Mr Hall is best known for his distinctive style of sports reporting on BBC Radio 5 live and his work on the 1970s TV show It's A Knockout.

He has been a familiar face and voice in British broadcasting for half a century and was appointed OBE in the 2012 New Year Honours for services to broadcasting and charity.