John Leslie: Former Blue Peter presenter denies sexually assaulting woman in London

Television star allegedly sexually touched woman in Westminster in 2008

Former TV presenter John Leslie at Westminster Magistrates' Court, London, on 22 August 2019 (PA)

John Leslie has denied sexually assaulting a woman in London.

The former Blue Peter presenter is accused of sexually touching a woman without her consent in Westminster in 2008.

Mr Leslie, from Edinburgh, appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday and entered a not guilty plea to the charge.

Judge Jeffrey Pegden released the 54-year-old on unconditional bail ahead of a trial starting in March.

Mr Leslie, who presented Blue Peter between 1989 to 1994, has appeared on numerous television shows in his 30-year career.

The defendant, whose full name is John Leslie Stott, also previously presented Wheel of Fortune and This Morning.

Additional reporting by PA