TWO psychiatrists disagree about whether Norman Byron, 78, from Minchinhampton, is fit to plead or stand trial on a child rape charge, a judge was told today.

One believes Mr Byron, of Longfords Mill, is unable to give instructions to his lawyers and is therefore unfit.

But another feels that with special measures to help him he could give his plea and be tried, said his barrister Anna Nott at Gloucester Crown Court.

She said a psychologist who has examined him feels that the stress and anxiety caused by a trial would render his ability to defend himself as 'effectively nil.'

He had been in mental decline since an earlier appearance before the court to face the charge, Ms Nott added.

"His partner says he has had mental decline since 2011 but recently it seems to have accelerated. It looks as if he has got dementia."

The judge, Recorder Adam Vaitalingam QC, said he was reluctant to order a further psychiatric report at public expense and he asked the defence to make arrangements.

Mr Byron is charged with raping a 15-year-old girl between November 1, 2015 and November 30, 2015. He currently has a jury trial fixed for July.

The Recorder bailed him until April 4 when it is hoped a new psychiatric report will be available.

The judge told Mr Byron there will be no need for him to attend that hearing.