THE public is “entitled to know” why former Labour peer Lord Janner cannot stand trial for a string of child sex offences, the senior judge presiding over the case said yesterday.

The 87-year-old peer is accused of 22 sexual offences dating back to the 1960s against nine alleged victims, the majority of whom were 16 or under at the time.

Lord Janner is on bail but was excused from attending the Old Bailey yesterday as the case was brought before the appointed trial judge Mr Justice Openshaw for the first time.

“Both parties agree the defendant is unfit to plead and unfit to stand trial. There is no merit in putting off the determination,” said Eleanor Laws QC for the prosecution.

Defending, Nicholas Purnell QC said he was keen to “preserve” all his client’s rights but suggested there was no reason not to decide now.

However, the judge insisted that, regardless of whether it was agreed between the lawyers, it was for him to make the ruling and that the evidence should be aired with a “short opening” in court.