The trial of a Hounslow councillor and former detective accused of indecently assaulting a boy in custody begins on Monday (July 27).

The historic case against Gurpal Virdi, of Firs Drive, Cranford, who is also charged with misconduct in public office, will be heard at Southwark Crown Court over two weeks.

Both charges relate to an alleged incident in the back of a police van in 1986, when he was a police officer.

Mr Virdi, who retired from the Metropolitan Police in 2012 after 30 years of service, was charged in April last year, and was elected as Cranford ward councillor one month later in May 2014.

However, he has since been suspended by the Labour party pending the outcome of this court case.

The ex-detective has denied all charges.