Councillor Daryll Pitcher, who is accused of historic sexual offences dating back to the 1980s, has pleaded not guilty to 3 charges and will now stand trial at the Isle of Wight Crown Court.
The 46-year-old, of Norman Way in Wootton, appeared at the Isle of Wight Crown Court this morning charged with 2 counts of rape and 1 of indecent assault. Daryll pleaded not guilty to all 3 charges.
The alleged child sex offences are said to have occurred when Pitcher was a child himself. The incidents are said to have happened between 1989 and 1992.
The former UKIP councillor currently represents the electoral ward of Wootton Bridge. Cllr Pitcher has represented Wootton since May 2021 following a previous term between 2013 and 2017. He serves on the Parish Council. He is also the chair of the Isle of Wight Council’s licensing committee and is an active member of the Royal British Legion.
A trial has been set for 13th February 2023 and is expected to last 5 days. Pitcher has been granted conditional bail until that date, with a pre-trial hearing to be held next month.
