Former council leader denies sexual assault
Melton Borough CouncilA former council leader in Leicestershire has denied sexually assaulting a woman.
Philip Allnatt, from Melton Mowbray, appeared at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Monday, after being charged with sexual assault and harassment without violence last month.
Wearing a blue suit, tie, trousers, sunglasses and using a walking stick, Allnatt stood only to confirm his name, address and plea during the hearing.
The 76-year-old pleaded not guilty to the charge of sexual assault and chose to have the case tried at Leicester Crown Court, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).
Representing the defendant, Barrie Fairbairn said a number of bail conditions had been imposed on Allnatt and asked the justices to keep the same conditions that were imposed.
Justice Michael O'Dell agreed to the bail conditions and ordered Allnatt to attend Leicester Crown Court on 2 November.
Allnatt was the leader of Melton Borough Council from May 2023. In April, it was announced he would step down as leader. He currently represents the Melton Egerton ward.
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