THE trial of a Padiham man accused of sex offen-ces dating back 30 years has been put on hold.

Alan Thresh, 60, of Institute Street is accused of offences alleged to have occurred between 1968 and 1973.

Thresh has denied two offences of attempted rape, three charges of indecent assault and two offences of indecency with a child.

His trial began at Burnley Crown Court last week.

Prosecutor Robert Elias said the alleged victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, first reported the matter to police in August 2006.

Thresh was arrested and interviewed and insisted that the incidents had never occurred. He accused the girl of being a troublemaker'.

But the trial was postponed after barrister Mark Stuart, representing Thresh, became ill and the jury had to be discharged.

The case has now been transferred to Carlise Crown Court and will be heard later this year.