18/06/2003

Ex-ITV presenter faces two indecent assault charges

The television presenter John Leslie has been charged today with two counts of indecent assault.

Mr Leslie, 38, appeared at Forest Gate police station, in east London, where he was charged with two alleged assaults on the same woman in May 1997. He was bailed and will return for a hearing at Bow Street Magistrates Court on July 2.

On leaving the police station, Mr Leslie told reporters: "There is absolutely no truth in the charge made against me but now I will have the chance to show my innocence in a court of law before a jury of my peers.”

After thanking his family and girlfriend for their support, the former Blue Peter presenter concluded: "I eagerly await my trial to confirm my innocence and reclaim my life."

The presenter was arrested on December 5 last year by police investigating allegations of rape and indecent assault, and was later released on bail.

Mr Leslie was sacked by Granada in October from his role as co-presenter on ITV’s ‘This Morning’ after the allegations emerged.

(MM)

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