A CLERGYMAN was committed to Newcastle Crown Court yesterday to stand trial on allegations of sex offences against teenage boys.

The Reverend Neville Husband, 64, of the United Reformed Church, is alleged to have carried out the assaults while working for the catering staff at the former Medomsley Detention Centre, near Consett, County Durham, in the 1970s and 1980s.

Mr Husband, of Shotley Bridge, appeared before Chester-le-Street magistrates' Court. Among the charges he faces are indecent assaults.

He was granted conditional bail and the case was adjourned to March 5 for a plea and directions hearing.