A FORMER church leader has appeared in court charged with carrying out a series of sex attacks.

The Reverend Neville Husband, 64, was suspended by the United Reformed Church after three people came forward with accusations dating back to the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Newcastle Crown Court heard yesterday that since the initial allegations came to light, a further three people have spoken out, bringing the total of alleged victims to six.

Mr Husband, 64, of Snows Green road, Shotley Bridge, Consett, County Durham, spoke only to confirm his name during a short hearing.

No pleas were taken and he was granted conditional bail until a plea and directions hearing on June 10.