AN OSWESTRY man will have to undergo a psychiatric assessment to confirm whether he is fit to plead to a rape charge.

Roger Farmer, 67 and of Hawthorn Grove in Oswestry, is accused of the rape of a girl under the age of 13 between January 1, 2019 and October 31, 2020.

He appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Tuesday, April 9 ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing.

However, his defence barrister Debra White called for a psychiatric assessment on whether the defendant was in a position to enter a plea.

Judge Peter Barrie agreed to the adjournment, which was not opposed by the prosecution, and a new hearing was set for Friday, May 31.

Farmer was released on conditional bail.