A PENSIONER accused of a string of sexual assaults and abuse involving the same woman which stretch back almost half a century is set to stand trial next week.

Robert Falconer, 73, faces a total of 12 charges of inappropriate behaviour towards the alleged victim.

It is claimed that a number of offences took place at various locations in Renfrew between 1972 and 1999, starting when she was 14.

Falconer is said to have first used indecent or libidinous practices or behaviour towards her at a property in the town’s Birks Road between July 17, 1972, and July 16, 1973.

The accused, who was in his mid-20s at the time, allegedly embraced the girl, touched her leg, inserted his hand under her clothing and attempted to touch her private parts.

He faces similar charges over alleged offences at the same property and elsewhere between 1972 and 1974, while he is also accused of sexually assaulting her at a property in Tiree Place, Renfrew, between July 1975 and July 1976.

A further sexual assault is said to have taken place at a property in Kilwinning, North Ayrshire, between July 1985 and July 1987, when Falconer allegedly seized hold of the woman, kissed her on the neck and touched her breasts.

That charge adds that the accused attempted to lift the woman from the floor before demanding to have sex and that he did this with intent to rape her.

The attack is said to have taken place while the alleged victim was recovering from surgery.

Between July 1986 and July 1989, Falconer is said to have indecently assaulted the woman during a car journey between Lugton, East Ayrshire, and Renfrew.

He is accused of locking her in the vehicle, detaining her against her will, sitting on her, repeatedly kissing her and struggling with her, again with intent to rape her.

Another sexual assault is said to have taken place at a pub in Kilwinning between January and December 1989, while similar attacks reportedly happened at the Masonic Hall, in Renfrew, in 1999 and at a hotel in Kilbirnie, North Ayrshire, in 2014.

In 2010, at the Masonic Lodge in Kilwinning, Falconer is said to have conducted himself in a disorderly manner and made comments of a sexual nature to the woman whilst attending a funeral.

Falconer also allegedly sexually assaulted the woman at the Lauriston Hotel, in Ardrossan, North Ayrshire, in 2015.

It is further claimed that, in November 2019, he behaved in a threatening or abusive manner by making comments of an inappropriate and sexual nature to the woman in Stevenston, North Ayrshire.

Falconer, of Kilwinning, pleaded not guilty to all of the alleged offences at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last week.

A trial date was set for Monday, April 4.