Former Winchester Mayor Pleads Not Guilty to Historic Assault
Derek Green, former Mayor of Winchester, has pleaded not guilty to a historic indecent assault charge involving a minor in the early 1980s. The case has been transferred to Bristol Crown Court with a trial date pending.
Winchester, UK — Derek Green, 69, a former Mayor of Winchester and long-serving city councillor, has pleaded not guilty to an historic indecent assault charge. The alleged offence involved a boy under the age of 16 and is said to have occurred between January 1, 1982, and December 31, 1983, in Winchester.
Green appeared at Winchester Crown Court on Wednesday, May 27, where he formally denied the charge. The case was immediately transferred to Bristol Crown Court, where a trial date has yet to be set. A mention hearing is scheduled for June 10 to determine next steps.
Key Points
- ⚖️ Derek Green, 69, pleaded not guilty to historic indecent assault
- 📅 Alleged incident occurred between 1982 and 1983 in Winchester
- 🏛️ Green served as Mayor of Winchester from 2022 to 2023 and was a city councillor for years
- ⚖️ Case transferred to Bristol Crown Court; trial date pending
Green is represented by solicitor Hannah Hurley, while the prosecution is led by barrister Charlie Gabb. Neither the alleged victim nor further details about the accusation have been made public. The case centres on events from over four decades ago, raising questions about how historical allegations are handled in the judicial system.
📋 Case Timeline
- May 27, 2025 — Green pleads not guilty at Winchester Crown Court
- June 10, 2025 — Case mentioned at Bristol Crown Court to set trial date
- 1982-1983 — Alleged assault window
The transfer to Bristol Crown Court follows standard procedure for complex or sensitive cases, though no reason for the move has been disclosed. Green’s legal team has not issued a public statement, and no further comment has been made regarding the allegations. The case now awaits scheduling for trial in Bristol, where proceedings will be held behind closed doors unless otherwise ordered.
| Aspect | Green’s Role | Court Status |
|---|---|---|
| Allegation | Former Mayor of Winchester (2022-2023), councillor | Transferred to Bristol Crown Court |
| Charge | Historic indecent assault | Not guilty plea entered |
| Next Step | No public trial date set | Mention hearing June 10 |
Legal experts suggest that historic cases like this often face delays due to the passage of time, evidentiary challenges, and the need to trace witnesses. Green, who has maintained his innocence, remains on unconditional bail. The outcome of the June 10 hearing will determine whether a trial is scheduled and, if so, when.
💡 Pro Tip
For victims considering reporting historic abuse, support services such as the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) offer confidential guidance and counselling.
The case has drawn attention in Winchester, where Green was a prominent local figure. His tenure as mayor, though recent, is now overshadowed by the allegations. Residents and former colleagues have yet to publicly react, and the city council has not issued a statement regarding the ongoing legal proceedings.
- 🔍 The case involves events from over 40 years ago, raising challenges in evidence gathering
- ⚠️ No trial date has been set, prolonging uncertainty for all parties
- 📊 The transfer to Bristol Crown Court may indicate procedural complexity
As the legal process unfolds, the public will have limited visibility into the proceedings until a trial begins. The next significant date is June 10, when Bristol Crown Court will decide the future trajectory of the case.
Case Background
- 🏛️ Green served on Winchester City Council for decades, including as Mayor from 2022 to 2023
- 🔒 The alleged assault predates his mayoral tenure by nearly 40 years
- 📜 Historic abuse cases often face delays due to evidentiary constraints
- 💼 Legal representation: Hurley (Green’s solicitor), Gabb (prosecution barrister)