Concert pianist to stand trial on sex abuse charges

World-famous musician John Briggs is due to stand trial next February on historic charges of sex abuse against boys dating back to the 1990s.

The renowned concert pianist appeared before a judge at Bradford Crown Court yesterday in 
relation to sexual allegations involving five separate male complainants.

During the hearing Briggs, of Little Lane, East Morton, near Keighley, spoke only to confirm his name.

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His trial, which is listed to start on February 17, next year, is expected to last about 10 days.

Sixty-five-year-old Briggs was not asked to enter any pleas to the allegations, which include offences of indecent assault and gross indecency, during the 15-minute hearing.

Prosecutor Nick Worsley told Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC, who will be the trial judge, that a further plea and case management hearing should be fixed for December 13.

Judge Durham Hall stressed the trial would start on time and witnesses should be available to give evidence on the first morning.

The judge extended Briggs’s unconditional bail until the plea and case management hearing in December.