A North East councillor has appeared in court charged with sexual assault.
Councillor Steve Wallace, who represents Throston ward on Hartlepool Borough Council as an independent, denied the charge.
The 64-year-old made a short appearance before Teesside Magistrates’ Court where he was accused of intentionally touching a woman aged 16 or over and that touching was sexual when she did not consent in July last year.
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The ex-Labour councillor pleaded not guilty to the charge and elected for a trial by jury at Teesside Crown Court.
District Judge Marie Mallon sent the case to the higher court where he is expected to appear on Friday, February 2.
Cllr Wallace, of Percy Street, Hartlepool, was granted unconditional bail until his next appearance in court.
The councillor quit the Labour Party in the summer following a ‘fall out’ with sections within the party.
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