Former Fallon adviser faces sex assault charge

A former special adviser to Sir Michael Fallon, the ex-defence secretary, has appeared in court accused of sexual assault.

Richard Holden allegedly attacked a woman in her 20s at a party in London last December. It is alleged he put his hands around the complainant’s waist before moving his hands up her skirt and touching her intimately. Holden was one of Sir Michael’s media advisers until earlier this year, when he left.

The 32-year-old from south-east London appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. He denies a count of sexual assault. He is due to appear at Southwark Crown Court on Jan 3.