(Image: Paul Barker/PA Wire)
A man charged with multiple historic child sex offences dating back to the 1980s has died after being taken ill in prison.
Colin Jack Gaines, 73, of no fixed abode but formerly of Bingley, died in hospital yesterday, Bradford Crown Court heard.
He had been due to stand trial for dozens of indecent assault and other sexual abuse offences involving ten victims.
But proceedings came to a dramatic halt today when prosecutor Julian Jones revealed that Gaines had died.
Today, His Honour Judge Christopher Smith was told that Gaines was alone in a locked cell at HMP Leeds yesterday.
An ambulance was called when he was found vomiting.
Paramedics performed CPR and Gaines was taken to St James’s Hospital where, at about 11.40am, he was pronounced dead.
No cause of death has been identified.
Gaines had previously refused to attend the court.
West Yorkshire Police issued the following statement: “Colin Gaines, aged 73, formerly of Bingley, was arrested in February of this year after a warrant was issued by Leeds Magistrates’ Court.
“ He was charged with 39 offences relating to allegations of child sexual abuse in the 1980s and 1990s in Bradford District and was due to stand trial at Bradford Crown Court.
“Colin Gaines passed away on August 19 while in custody. The case has been concluded as a result.”