A PENSIONER accused of sex offences against three girls will not be tried after doctors judged he was unfit to plead.
But the charges against James Hawthornthwaite, 77, formerly of Hilton Residential Home, Darwen, were left on file.
Preston Crown Court heard that two doctors who assessed Hawthornthwaite found he was not fit to enter a plea. The offences were alleged to have taken place between 1991 and 1997.
Det Sgt Ian Critchley said police were not looking for anyone else in connection with the claims.
He said: "Obviously we are disappointed that the alleged victims will not be allowed to give their version of events in court and that Hawthornthwaite won't face the full judicial process.
"But police officers have spoken to the alleged victims throughout this investigation process and they have taken some satisfaction from the fact that this male has been interviewed, charged and put through the court process for the alleged offences."
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