Veteran BBC broadcaster Stuart Hall has appeared in a northern English court to plead not guilty to the sexual abuse of three girls.
The 82-year-old former It’s A Knockout star gave his full name as James Stuart Hall when he was called before the bench for the brief hearing at Preston Magistrates’ Court.
Mr Hall was asked by the clerk of the court if he understood that he faced three separate charges of indecent assault and if he wanted to enter a plea.
He replied: “Yes I do. Not guilty to all three charges.”
Mr Hall was allowed to sit down in the witness box while further details of the charges were given.
Mr Hall, who was first arrested on December 5th following an investigation by Lancashire police, left the court building after the brief hearing, followed by
TV cameras, photographers and reporters.
He has been a familiar face and voice in British broadcasting for half a century and was last year awarded an OBE.
His eccentric and erudite football match summaries have made him a cult figure on BBC Radio 5 Live.
The BBC said Hall would not be working at the corporation while he faced the allegations.
PA