BBC broadcaster Stuart Hall denies sex abuse charges
Veteran BBC broadcaster Stuart Hall has appeared in 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.
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.”
Hall was allowed to sit down in the witness box while further details of the charges were given.
Joanne Cunliffe, prosecuting, said the case should be sent to crown court because they are too serious to be dealt with at magistrates' court.
Outlining the charges she said Hall is alleged to have fondled the breast of one girl, then aged 16 or 17, between September 1, 1974 and December 31, 1974 in Blackpool.
On a second occasion he is alleged to have molested a nine-year-old girl by touching some time between January 1, 1983 and December 31, 1983 and the third alleged indecent assault is that he kissed a 13-year-old girl on the lips, on an occasion between July 1, 1984 and September 27, 1984.
