John Leslie looks sombre as he arrives at court after being charged with sexual assault
JOHN LESLIE, a former Blue Peter presenter, arrived at the Southwark Crown Court today for a hearing after being charged with the sexual touching of a woman over 10 years ago.
Blue Peter - John Leslie's last show
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.
At the court appearance, Leslie denied sexually assaulting the woman over a decade ago.
Judge Jeffrey Pegden released him on unconditional bail.
He is set to return to Southwark Crown Court for trial on March 16 next year.
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.
Leslie rose to fame on Blue Peter before leaving the children’s programme in 1994.
During his final show, he abseiled down the side of the BBC Television Centre before navigating an assault course and finishing up by conducting an orchestra in the Blue Peter studio.
He went on to present This Morning alongside Ferne Britton, 61.
He is also known for taking over from Bradley Walsh, 59, as the host on Wheel of Fortune in 1998.