A pensioner has appeared in court charged with possessing an image of someone having sex with a dog.

Michael Fitzpatrick of Broadwater Crescent, Stevenage, appeared at Stevenage Magistrates’ Court on Monday charged with possessing an extreme pornographic image which is grossly offensive and obscene in character.

The offence is alleged to have occurred in Stevenage on June 24 this year. He was also charged with possession of cannabis on the same date. The 66-year-old pleaded not guilty and his case has been sent to Cambridge Crown Court for a trial on December 1. He has been bailed until then.

The offence carries a maximum sentence of three years imprisonment. Although defendants are often given a community order and fine depending on the severity of the crime and if they have any previous convictions.