Lord Janner 'unfit' to face child sex abuse trial, High Court judge rules

The peer was described as suffering severe dementia

Lord Greville Janner arrives at a house after appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London (Reuters)

Lord Janner is unfit to stand trial for a series of child sex abuse charges dating back 50 years, the High Court has ruled.

The presiding judge said at a hearing on Monday morning that the peer's severe dementia made him "unfit to plead".

Mr Justice Openshaw said his decision based on medical reports outlining the declining health of the 87-year-old dementia sufferer when the case was brought back to the Old Bailey today.

At the last hearing in October, both prosecution and defence barristers made it clear there was no dispute between them that Greville Janner was not well enough to stand trial.

Lord Janner appeared confused when he did appear at court to confirm his name in August. As he entered the courtroom, he was heard saying: "Ooh, this is wonderful."

The judge said on Monday: "The defendant has advanced and disabling dementia which is deteriorating and irreversible and I find he is unfit to plead and stand trial on his indictment."

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