Paul Gascoigne, a former England footballer, will face trial in October, 2019, over an alleged sexual assault on a woman.
Gascoigne is accused of kissing a woman on a train without her consent. He, however, pleaded “not guilty” when he appeared before a court on Tuesday.
The former Tottenham player was arrested while travelling on a train between York and Newcastle, when he allegedly committed the act in Darlington in August, 2018.
He appeared at the Teesside Crown Court to enter a not guilty plea to a one count charge of sexual assault.
The 51-year-old will apply for legal aid, as the case is being prosecuted by a barrister of the same seniority.
His lawyer, Michelle Heeley, told the court that a number of character witnesses will give evidence “about his client’s propensity to kiss people in a non-sexual manner”.
During the 10-minute hearing, the accused was asked to be quiet by the Recorder of Middlesbrough, Judge Simon Bourne-Arton.
The defendant, who came to court in a blue suit and an open neck shirt, appeared upset when he sat in the dock.
When asked, he stated his full name, date of birth and on his nationality, he replied: “English, Protestant.”
After hearing that his trial could not be accommodated before October 14, Gascogine said: “Sir, Your Honour.”
The judge replied: “Be quiet.”
Gascoigne said: “I’m worried to bits. I’m scared.”
He then apologised to the judge. His solicitor, who was in court while his barrister was appearing via a videolink, then went to speak to Gascoigne in the dock.
The judge said: “You have a solicitor and you have a QC, they will look after your interests.”
The judge then told Gascoigne to be quiet again, to which the former footballer retorted: “I’m tired.”
Gascoigne, who also played for Newcastle United, Lazio, Rangers, Middlesbrough and Everton, among other clubs, was later granted unconditional bail ahead of his trial.
However, the judge warned that he must be present for his trial, which he replied: “I will do, your lord.
“I cannot wait. I have done nothing wrong.”
F.A
