Paul Gascoigne Pleads 'Not Guilty' To Sexual Assault Charge

By Nigel Philips

Former England footballer Paul Gascoigne has pleaded ‘not guilty’ in a sex assault charge against him, saying he has the penchant of kissing people ‘in a non-sexual manner’.

The 51-year-old’s lawyer, Michelle Heeley QC, told the Teesside Crown Court on Tuesday that a number of character witnesses will even give evidence "about his propensity to kiss people in a non-sexual manner".

Gascoigne was arrested in August last year in Dalighton while on a train from York to Newcastle for allegedly kissing a woman without consent. 

Gascoigne appeared at the court for the first hearing wearing a blue suit and an open shirt.

He pleaded not guilty to the single charge of sexual assault.

Gascoigne applied for legal aid and was represented by a Queen’s Counsel (QC), as the case is being prosecuted by a barrister of the same seniority.

The former player appeared upset as he sat in the dock and was asked to keep quiet by the Recorder of Middleborough, Judge Simon Bourne-Artonalong, as he appeared to be disturbing the proceedings.

Gascoigne stated his full name, date of birth and replied he was 'English, Protestant' when he was asked his nationality.

Gascoigne called out: "Sir, Your Honour” and the judge replied: "Be quiet”, when the former player was told that his trial could not be accommodated before October 14.

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 video link, 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 player said: "I'm tired."

During another conversation with his solicitor, while the hearing took place, Gascoigne said that the police officer, who arrested him, talked about football, and asked for an autograph and selfies.

Judge Bourne-Arton warned him: "Everyone can hear what you are saying. It is in your interest to speak quietly."

Gascoigne, who played for Newcastle United, Spurs, Lazio, Rangers, Middlesborough and Everton, among other clubs, was granted unconditional bail ahead of his trial.

The judge warned him he must turn up for the trial. Gascoigne replied: "I will do, your lord." I cannot wait."

“I have done nothing wrong."

 As he walked out of the courtroom, Gascoigne thanked Judge Bourne-Arton, kissed his fingers and gestured towards the robed judge in an apparent mark of respect.