Choirmaster faces sex case

A former choirmaster and organist at Windsor Castle chapel appeared in court today accused of sexually assaulting five choirboys.

Jonathan Rees-Williams, 54, appeared at Bracknell Magistrates Court, Berkshire, charged with 14 counts of indecent assault on males.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between 1976 and 1988 on five different choirboys.

Bearded Rees-Williams, of Hanford Way, Longwell Green, Bristol, spoke only to confirm his address during the short committal hearing.

The balding former choirmaster, who wore a dark suit and blue tie, is also charged with 16 counts of making indecent photographs of children between 1998 and 2002.

He did not enter a plea to the charges.

District Judge Terrance English released Rees-Williams on conditional bail and warned him not to contact any of the alleged victims.

"These matters will now be tried at the crown court, Reading," Mr English told Rees-Williams. "You are granted bail on the condition of not having any contact, directly or indirectly, with the five persons mentioned."

The case was adjourned to Reading Crown Court on October 29.