Criminal proceedings have begun against Lord Janner over child abuse allegations relating to the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.
The case comes after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) overturned a previous decision not to launch proceedings against Janner because of his dementia.
Chief magistrate Howard Riddle said he would hear evidence from medical experts before deciding whether the trial could proceed without Janner present, after the 87-year-old’s defence team told Westminster Magistrates’ Court he would not attend because of his medical condition.
Janner, who was an MP for 27 years, faces 22 allegation of historical sex abuse against nine different children over a period of 30 years.
The former MP for Leicester denies the allegations and his family claims that he is innocent.
The case is likely to be sent to a crown court, which will decide whether Janner is fit to stand trial. If he is found unfit, then a ‘trial of facts’ will take place in his absence to establish whether Janner committed the acts, but no determination of guilt will be made.
