Sunderland footballer Titus Bramble appeared in court today to deny sexual assault charges.
The 30-year-old is accused of indecently touching two women in separate incidents during a night out in Yarm, Teesside, on September 28 last year.
The defender, of Wellington Drive, Wynyard, near Middlesbrough, appeared at Teesside Crown Court for a plea and directions hearing.
The prosecution said it was changing the indictment to add a fourth sexual assault charge which stems from the original two incidents.
He denies all four charges.
In the first he is accused of indecently touching one alleged victim.
In the second count, he is alleged to have touched another womans leg and moved his hand towards her crotch without consent.
In the last two counts, he is accused of twice placing her hand on his crotch.
Bramble, who wore a dark suit, white shirt and blue tie for the brief hearing, spoke in a clear voice to say Not guilty after each count was put to him.
Bramble started his career at Ipswich Town and also played for Newcastle United and Wigan Athletic before signing for Sunderland.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article