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A former councillor in east London who is charged with historical sexual offences against girls has been remanded in custody.
Jeffrey Tucker, 66, is facing allegations from two women who say they were sexually abused as children in the 1980s and 1990s.
Tucker is charged with rape, indecent assault, and attempted indecent assault against one of the alleged victims, and he is accused of four counts of indecent assault on the second girl.
At Snaresbrook Crown Court on Monday, Judge Gerard Pounder ruled that Tucker should remain in custody until his trial next January.
Tucker indicated at an earlier hearing that he intends to plead not guilty to the charges, although the pleas have not yet been formally entered.
His trial has been set for January 11 2027.
Tucker represented Rainham and Wennington ward on Havering Council for 20 years for the Independent Residents Group, first being elected in 2002 and standing down in 2022.
He faces allegations dating from 1987 and 1994, and was remanded in custody after a first court hearing at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court last month.
Tucker led the Independent Residents Group while sitting on Havering Council, and outside politics he is the owner of Rainham Goldmine Jewellers in Upminster.
He was not present in court on Monday for the judge’s ruling.