Pensioner dies in Gloucester the day before he was due in court over sex offence

A 68-YEAR-OLD died the day before he was due to appear in court for molesting a child.

Harry Roberts was due to appear at Gloucester Crown Court yesterday for sexually touching a girl under 13.

But prosecutor Lisa Hennessy told the court that Roberts, of Stocken Close, Hucclecote, had died the previous day.

Gloucestershire Police were called out to reports of a body in Cooper's Edge on Monday morning.

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A dog walker found the man's body in a field off Lobley's Drive at 8.10am.

A police spokesman confirmed that his death is not being treated as suspicious.

Mrs Hennessy told the court the case had been committed to the crown court for sentencing from Cheltenham Magistrates' Court.

She said the Crown Prosecution Service was waiting for a death certificate in order for the case to be formally closed.

Recorder Michael De Navarro QC said: "That is very sad and it is a very sad case. I suppose, who knows the effect? Not this court anyway."

Ambulance services attended Cooper's Edge, where he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The coroner and his next of kin have been informed.