A 74-YEAR-OLD Dursley man accused of committing four sex offences since suffering a stroke has appeared at Gloucester Crown Court today amid concern that he needs full medical assessment.

Michael Webber, of Draycott, Cam, is currently on remand in Hewell Prison in the Midlands but his defence told the court there are moves to have him transferred to a mental hospital for psychiatric examination.

Mr Webber, who walks with a stick and looked confused in the dock today, is facing four charges of sexual touching of girls and women between April and June this year and also one offence of common assault.

"He suffered a stroke at the end of last year and it appears to have caused some damage," said his solicitor Sarah Jenkins.

"There is concern about dementia either as a result of or in addition to the stroke."

There was an ongoing issue about whether he was mentally fit to stand trial at all, she said.

"There are clearly issues in relation to fitness or in relation to how much this injury has played a part in the alleged offences bearing in mind he was a man of good character before his stroke."

When she said he was currently in Hewell Jail, Judge William Hart said "I don't imagine that is doing him much good."

Ms Jenkins said "No, and that is why we are anxious to try to get him transferred. "

The court's liaison psychiatric nurse, Andy Webb, told the court "It sounds as if he has deteriorated since the last medical report on him. There is definitely a question as to whether he would be able to follow a trial and be able to retain information.

"He has been identified as someone with vascular dementia with potential frontal lobe damage as well."

Judge Hart adjourned the case for two weeks.