A pub landlord accused of committing several sexual assaults involving three girls appeared at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday.

Gary Hitch, of The Sugar Loaves in Eyhorne Street, Hollingbourne, was not represented during the brief hearing because of industrial action by solicitors.

He faces charges for nine offences.

But Judge Michael Carroll said the 57-year-old would enter pleas on November 4. A provisional trial date was set for November 23.

Bail was continued.

The Sugar Loaves was taken over by new management in March 2016.