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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 due in court to face child abuse allegations

Lord Janner faces 22 child abuse charges spanning from the 1960s to the 1980s. Credit: PA

Lord Janner is due to appear in court to face child abuse allegations today.

Barring a successful last-minute appeal, the former Labour peer and MP will be forced to attend Westminster Magistrates Court in London to face 22 child abuse charges spanning a period from the 1960s to the 1980s.

If he does not appear in court, an arrest warrant could be issued against the 87 year old.

On Thursday his lawyers lost a High Court bid to prevent him from having to attend.

Two senior judges ruled Janner must appear because of "the obvious and strong public interest in ensuring those summoned to court attend when required".

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Lord Janner attends court for first time over abuse claims

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