A MAN has appeared before Blackburn magistrates charged with three separate indecent assaults on a 12 year old girl.

Leslie Addison, 56, of Pilmuir Road, Blackburn, was remanded on bail to an un-named hostel outside Lancashire after the court was told of fears for his safety.

Julie Reilly, prosecuting, applied for a remand in custody for Addison's own protection because she said feelings were running high on the Fishmoor estate where the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, lives.

"The Crown would say that there is more than a strong possibility that if he is released into the area that he will be seriously assaulted," said Miss Reilly.

"A concerned resident has contacted the police to tell them that an attack on this man has already been planned."

Michael Blacklidge, defending, asked the magistrates to consider an out-of-town bail hostel as a solution to the problem.

The magistrates directed that the case should be heard at Preston Crown Court and Addison was remanded on bail for the preparation of committal papers.