GAZZA DENIES KISS ON TRAIN
star’s court plea over sex attack charge
PAUL Gascoigne told a judge, “I’m scared... I have done nothing wrong”, as he denied sexual assault.
Gascoigne, 51, was arrested for allegedly kissing a woman on a train without consent.
He listened intently yesterday as the legal teams discussed the timetable for his case. The ex-spurs player asked if he could say something.
When Judge Simon Bourne-arton QC told him to “be quiet”, Gascoigne said: “I’m worried to bits. I’m scared. Sorry, I apologise.”
The judge later told him he must turn up to his trial, to which he replied: “I will do, your lord. I cannot wait. I’ve done nothing wrong.”
He told the judge, at Teesside crown court: “My lord, the guy who arrested me, all he wanted to talk about was football... playing for Middlesbrough, autographs and selfies.”
PROPENSITY
Gascoigne entered a plea of not guilty to the single charge of sexual assault on August 20 last.
His barrister Michelle Heeley QC said character witnesses will give evidence “about his propensity to kiss people in a non-sexual manner”. The case goes to trial on October 14.
Gascoigne, who now lives in Leicester, was granted unconditional bail and the court heard an application will be made for legal aid.
As he left the court room, he crossed himself, kissed his fingers and gestured to the judge. He later thanked agent Shane Whitfield.
Before the hearing, Gascoigne posed for a photo with barrister Robert Mochrie. It was posted on Mr Mochrie’s Facebook page with the message: “Standing in court. Next minute I’m hugged and kissed by this legend.”
It is a summary offence to take a photo within the precincts of a court. Mr Mochrie’s chambers declined to comment on the photo. British Transport Police deny officers acted inappropriately when arresting Gascoigne.
My lord, the guy who arrested me, all he wanted to talk about was football... selfies
PAUL GASCOIGNE SPEAKING TO JUDGE DURING COURT HEARING