Paul Gascoigne has pleaded not guilty to a single charge of sexual assault.
The 51 year-old former England footballer was arrested by British Transport Police officers at Durham Station on the evening of 20th August 2018. He had been travelling on a CrossCountry train between York and Newcastle when the alleged sexual assault took place.
Shortly after the incident Gascoigne posted brief details on his Twitter account, the gist of which was that he had stepped in to support a lady on the train - the alleged injured party in this case - who was involved in a disagreement in which she had been branded a "fat cow".
It is alleged that Gascoigne kissed the lady, which she considered unwanted sexual contact contrary to section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
District Judge Kristina Harrison, sitting at Peterlee Magistrates' Court, asked the prosecution if alternatives to the charge had been considered.
She said: "The prosecution have considered the charge and have subjected it to review and at the present time the prosecution are satisfied sexual assault is the appropriate charge?"
Jolyon Perks, prosecuting, replied: "Yes."
The offence is triable either way and Gascoigne has elected for a trial at the Crown Court.
His case will next be heard at Teesside Crown Court on 8th January 2019.
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