Former town rector denies sexual assault on teenager

The Reverend Canon Michael Woods served as Rector of Great Yarmouth for 17 years

A former vicar has appeared in court charged with a sex offence.

The Reverend Canon Michael Woods, 80, appeared at Norwich Crown Court on Tuesday, and denied indecent assault on a male aged between 17 and 18.

The offence is alleged to have taken place between August 1997 and August 1999.

Mr Woods served as Rector of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, for 17 years before retiring in 2009 and moving to Kuching in Malaysia.

Norfolk Constabulary said he was not extradited to the UK, but was charged while visiting Norfolk.

Judge Katharine Moore set a trial date for 11 August 2025, and said it was expected to last up to six days.

Mr Woods was released on bail with the condition that he does not contact witnesses in the case.