Thatcham pensioner David Fisher charged with raping children

A PENSIONER has been accused of raping or sexually abusing children aged as young as five years.

David Fisher appeared in the dock at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 7.

The 80-year-old, of Halifax Place, Thatcham, faces 12 charges in total, involving three girls who were aged between five and 15 years at the time.

The offences were said to have happened many years ago.

Specifically, Mr Fisher is charged with the following, in the order in which they appeared on the charge sheet:

* raping a girl aged 15 years

* indecently assaulting a girl aged 12 years and 13 years on at least 10 occasions

* trying to rape a girl aged 13 years on no less than 10 occasions

* raping a girl aged 11 years

* committing an act of gross indecency with or towards a girl aged five years

* committing an act of gross indecency with or towards a girl aged between 11 years and 13 years

* committing an act of gross indecency with or towards a girl aged between seven years and eight years

* raping a girl aged 13 years

* committing an act of gross indecency with or towards a girl aged between 12 years and 13 years

* raping a girl aged 12 years

* raping a girl aged 13 years

* raping a girl aged 14 years

All the above offences were said to have taken place in West Berkshire on various dates over a seven year period several decades ago.

Mr Fisher was legally represented at the hearing by Catherine Brymer and spoke only to confirm his details.

Some of the charges are indictable only, which means they can only be heard at a crown court.

District judge Samuel Goozee therefore sent the case to be heard by a judge and, in the event of a trial, by a jury, sitting at Reading Crown Court on a date to be fixed.

An estimated 30 minute plea and trial preparation hearing has been scheduled for June.

Mr Fisher was meanwhile released on conditional bail.