A former music teacher accused of sexually abusing 29 young girls between 1964 and 2007 is to stand trial in January.
Michael Crombie, 75, formerly of Monkhams Avenue, Woodford Green is charged with two counts of rape, two counts of sexual activity with a child and 73 charges of indecent assault.
The choir leader and Rotary club member did not appear at the Old Bailey for a plea and case management hearing today because of difficulties with a video link.
He has not yet entered pleas to the indictment and will return to court on a date to be fixed in early December.
Judge Wendy Joseph confirmed Crombie is to stand trial on the first 35 allegations on January 7.
The case is expected to last six weeks.
Crombie was remanded in custody.
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