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A former Sunderland councillor has appeared in court charged with eight historical child sex offences.

Thomas Wright is accused of abusing four children, between the ages of 12 and 15, between 1968 and 1982.

The 66-year-old appeared in the dock on crutches at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

He was facing three counts of buggery, three of indecent assault on a boy under 16 and two of indecent assault on a girl under 16.

The court was told that the buggery charges could only be heard at the crown court and, because they were linked, the other offences should also be sent there.

Wright, of no fixed abode but formerly of First Street, Leadgate, Consett, spoke only to tell magistrates that he no longer had a fixed address and to confirm his name, date of birth and nationality.

(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

He also confirmed he understood the proceedings against him.

No pleas to the offences, which all allegedly took place in Sunderland, were taken during the five-minute hearing.

Prosecutor, Lorna Rimell, said: "The charges are all linked, so should be sent together to the crown court."

Magistrates released Wright on unconditional bail to next appear at Newcastle Crown Court on December 17.

Wright was was elected to represent the St Anne's ward on the local authority in 2002.

During his time as a councillor, he played a leading role on the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority.

He stepped down from the council in May 2018.

The ex-Labour councillor has been under investigation and suspended from the Labour party since 2018.