A Leeds pensioner accused of raping a boy has died part way through his trial. Bernard McGrath, 83, was facing multiple charges on the youngster when he was aged between six and 15. The trial began last Monday, February 24, and summing up in the case took place on Friday.
The jury at Leeds Crown Court assembled again this morning, but Judge Christopher Batty told them they would be discharged and the trial discontinued after the defendant’s body was found this morning.
Mr McGrath, of Coronation Parade, Halton, was charged with seven counts of indecent assault, indecency with a child, five counts of rape and a two of assault by penetration.
The alleged victim told the jury he was first targeted by the defendant when he was just six years-old. He said he began with touching his genitals over clothing, and progressed to kissing and more serious assaults.
The complainant, who is now an adult but cannot be named for legal reasons, said he did not know it was wrong at his age but told the court: “I felt like I had no way of getting out of it.”