A PENSIONER has been held in custody after facing allegations of indecent sexual communications with a child.

Derek Howard, 76, faced two sexual offence allegations when he appeared in private this week [Monday, July 19].

Police confirmed he was arrested and charged after alleged attempted sexual communications with an older child – following a sting from Irvine-based Team Shades members on Sunday, July 21.

It’s alleged that Howard intended to cause an older child, between the ages of 13 and 16 to look at a sexual image while also accused of a second charge of communicating indecently with an older child.

Howard was committed for further examination and remanded in custody after entering no plea to the charges.

The accused, whose address is listed as Kilmarnock, will return to court at a later date.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A 76-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with indecent communications offences committed in the Kilmarnock area.

“He was due to appear at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Monday, July 19, 2021.”

Police Scotland can be contacted on 101 – In an emergency 999.