A former President of the Methodist Conference has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of sexual assault and one indecent assault.
Rev Steven Wild, who was chair of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Methodist Circuit from 2008 until 2022, appeared at Truro Magistrates Court on 15th September.
Police said the charges relate to a number of women in Devon, Cornwall, Derbyshire, Merseyside and Bristol between 2004 and 2019, and one count of indecent assault on a female in Cornwall in 2004.
Devon and Cornwall Police said: “This is an ongoing criminal case and as such we urge the public not to speculate as this risks prejudicing proceedings.”
The 70-year-old was released on court bail and is next due to appear at Truro Crown Court on 17th October.
The Methodist Church has told Premier Christian News it won’t be releasing a statement on the situation.
