Vincent Henry Reynolds, 76, was not required to appear in person in the Wodonga Magistrates Court for a filing hearing on Tuesday.

The Osbornes Flat man is accused of committing his first offence – groping a boy through his clothes – in early 1960.

Charge sheets approved for release by magistrate David Faram allege the offending continued up until the late 1980s, with the last incident allegedly occurring in Beechworth some time between January 1988 and December 1991.

A large number of allegations relate to offending in Bandiana, with other offences allegedly occurring in Wodonga, Yackandandah, Dederang, Myrtleford, and other small towns in regional Victoria. 

Reynolds is mainly accused of groping boys through their clothing, and other unlawful and indecent assault related offences.

A smaller number of allegations relate to girls. 

Mr Faram asked if the 76-year-old was present in the court room.

Lawyer Sally Wilson said Reynolds did not have to attend the hearing.

“My client is on summons,” she said.

“He is not present today.”

The hearing – which was attended by five members of the public – set a timetable for future appearances.

A brief will be served on Ms Wilson by December 28 and will be followed by a committal mention in the court on February 8.

The police investigation was sparked by an allegation made in 2013