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Lord Janner attends court for first time over abuse claims

Lord Janner has appeared at court for the first time to face 22 counts of historical child abuse.

The 87-year-old had been ordered to attend the hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court in person this morning, but did not arrive as his legal team launched a last-minute bid to have him appear via video link.

Accusing the defence of "messing around", the district judge dismissed the application and ruled he must make a personal appearance.

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Lord Janner arrives at court to face charges

Lord Janner has arrived at Westminster Magistrates Court to face 22 counts of historical child abuse in person for the first time.

Lord Janner was driven in through the court's back door

The 87-year-old was driven in by the underground entrance, used for prisoners and vulnerable people.

During the short hearing, he will be identified by a relative or carer and told that the matter is being moved the crown court.

Should that cause extreme distress the peer will be "immediately removed" and the case continued in his absence, district judge Emma Arbuthnot ruled, saying it was important to be "humane".

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Lord Janner attends court for first time over abuse claims

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