A CHARD man who allegedly masturbated in front of three schoolgirls while his trousers were dropped round his ankles has been ordered to stand trial over an allegation of indecent exposure.

Ian Percy Braddick, 55, of Holyrood Street, appeared in the dock walking with the aid of a stick before District Judge David Taylor, sitting at Yeovil.

He was charged that on September 26 last year at Chard he intentionally exposed his genitals intending that someone would see them and be caused alarm or distress.

Prosecutor Christine Hart said that the defendant lived near a school, and on the day in question three 11-year-old girls were walking past when they allegedly saw him with his trousers around his ankles.

They alleged that his penis could be seen and he was masturbating and they were so distressed that they rang their parents.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the offence and claimed he had an alibi and was not present at the scene.

Although the district judge accepted jurisdiction for the case Braddick elected to stand trial at Taunton Crown Court.

The case was adjourned until May 21 when he was ordered to attend a pre trial hearing at Taunton.

Until then he was released on unconditional bail.