Brother of Dana Scallon in court accused of sexually abusing two girls

A brother of former Irish presidential candidate and Eurovision song contest winner Dana Scallon has appeared in court accused of sexually abusing two girls.

John Brown (60) is accused of indecently assaulting two girls under the age of 16 in the 1970s.

He was charged last May after the two women, now aged 46 and 53, came forward with the allegations in 2011 and 2012.

Mr Brown, of Berkshire in southeast England, spoke only to confirm his name yesterday morning at Harrow crown court at the start of his trial, which is due to last up to five weeks.

Mr Brown faces five counts of indecent assault and his trial is expected to open today after the jury is sworn in.