A FORMER pub landlord has appeared in court charged with five counts of sexual assault.

Tony Furphy, 48, gave his address in court as Baydale Beck Inn, Gate Lane, Low Coniscliffe near Darlington, although The Northern Echo understands he no longer lives there.

The five separate charges of sexual assault on a woman or women over 16 are said to have taken place between April 2017 and January this year.

The case was committed to Teesside Crown Court, where it is next listed for July 12. He is expected to deny the charges.