Lord Janner could face trial on a series of historical child sex abuse charges in 2016.

At an Old Bailey hearing this afternoon a judge scheduled the case for February next year.

But the elderly peer’s lawyers are expected to argue that he is not well enough to be questioned about the allegations at a “fitness to plead hearing” in December.

The 87-year-old suffers from severe dementia. He did not attend today’s session at the Old Bailey.

The former Board of Deputies president faces 22 charges. They relate to a series of historical sexual offences, the majority against young boys under the age of 16 in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.

Lord Janner, who is on unconditional bail, is accused of 15 counts of indecent assault and seven counts of a separate sexual offence, against a total of nine complainants.

It is possible that the case will proceed as a “trial of the facts” – but not before February 22, 2016.

The peer has long denied any wrongdoing in relation to the allegations.

His family say he is entirely innocent.