Leeds councillor Ron Grahame appears in court to face attempted rape and historic sex charges against girl

A leeds councillor has appeared before the city's magistrates' court charged with attempted rape and serious sex offences alleged to have been committed against a girl four decades ago.
By Tony Gardner
Published 9th Feb 2021, 16:46 BST
Updated 9th Feb 2021, 18:25 BST
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Ron Grahame, councillor for Burmantofts and Richmond Hill, made his first court appearance this afternoon (February 9) after being charged by West Yorkshire Police with four sex offences in December last year.

Grahame, 76, of Swardale Green, Swarcliffe, spoke only to confirm his address and date of birth during the short hearing.

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No pleas were entered to the charges as they were outlined by the court clerk.

Leeds councillor Ron Grahame pictured outside Leeds Magistrates' Court today (February), where he appeared to face historic sex offences charges alleged to have been committed against a girl in the early 1980s.Leeds councillor Ron Grahame pictured outside Leeds Magistrates' Court today (February), where he appeared to face historic sex offences charges alleged to have been committed against a girl in the early 1980s.
Leeds councillor Ron Grahame pictured outside Leeds Magistrates' Court today (February), where he appeared to face historic sex offences charges alleged to have been committed against a girl in the early 1980s.

Grahame is charged with attempting to rape a girl under 16 years of age between October 4, 1981, and October 4, 1982.

He is also charged with attempting to commit a further serious sexual offence between the same dates.

Grahame faces two charges of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 14, between October 4, 1980, and October 4, 1982.

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District Judge Charlotte Holland told Grahame: "These offences are too serious to be dealt with in the magistrates' court.

"I am sending all four of these offences to the Crown court."

Grahame will appear before Leeds Crown Court on March 10 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

District Judge Holland said: "This is an administrative hearing to fix your trial date in the future and to go through issues around your defence."

Grahame's solicitor indicated that Grahame would enter not guilty pleas to all charges.

The defendant was granted unconditional bail until his next court appearance.