A former Catholic chaplain of Gatwick Airport appeared in court today, charged with a string of sex attacks dating back more then 40 years.

Michael Hill appeared at Redhill Magistrates' Court in Surrey on 19 separate charges involving seven different alleged victims.

He is accused of 15 indecent assaults against boys aged less then 16 years, two indecent assaults against girls aged less then 16, one indecent assault against a male, and one charge of rape.

The offences are alleged to have been committed between January 1 1960 and August 31 1989.

Hill, of Lincolns Mead, Lingfield, Surrey, appeared in court wearing a blue shirt, blue-patterned tie and green coat.

He spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

He was released on unconditional bail, and is due to appear at the Old Bailey in London on April 17.