A leading Labour Party activist denied a string of sex charges against teenage boys when he appeared in court this week.
Martyn Locklin, 40, pleaded not guilty to six allegations of indecent assault, two of rape and one of serious sexual assault against three youngsters when he appeared at Teesside Crown Court.
The alleged offences took place over an eight-year period and some date back to when he worked as a tutor at Aycliffe Young People's Centre.
Mr Locklin, of Newton Aycliffe, is the former leader of Great Aycliffe Town Council and last year starred in a controversial TV documentary Tony's People.
His Labour party membership was suspended as soon as officials became aware of the charges.
The case was adjourned for trial, some time next year, and he was released on bail.
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