John Leslie, 54, looked serious as he was pictured arriving ahead of his plea and trial preparation hearing this morning. The former Blue Peter presenter was dressed in a grey suit and blue tie. He hid his eyes behind sunglasses and sported well-manicured grey stubble. The TV star was snapped walking with his hand in his pockets.
John Leslie was charged with sexual assault after allegedly “touching” a 30-year-old woman without her consent in 2008.
He subsequently told Express.co.uk: “I am totally innocent of the historic allegation and will be contesting the trial.”
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said Leslie had been charged with “sexual touching of a woman aged 16 or ver contrary to Section 3 of the Sexual offences Act 2003”.
“The allegation relates to an incident in Westminster in December 2008,” they said.
“The victim was aged 30 at the time.”
The former wheel of Fortune host was charged by postal requisition on June 5.
Last month, Leslie appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on the sexual assault charge and denied the offence.
He chose to be tried by a jury at the crown court, despite the fact the charge was deemed appropriate to be decided by a district judge.
District Judge Emma Arbuthnot set the date for today’s hearing and granted the presenter unconditional bail until then.
More to follow…
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