A MAN is to go on trial accused of sexual touching.
Dieter Hanson appeared in the dock at Reading Magistrates’ Court for a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, March 13.
The 58-year-old, of Park Way, Hungerford, is accused of intentionally touching a woman in a sexual way when she did not consent, and when he did not reasonably believe she was consenting.
The offence is said to have been committed in Hungerford on a specific date in May last year.
Mr Hanson, a former pupil at John O’Gaunt School, spoke only confirm his details and to plead not guilty to the single charge.
He was legally represented at the brief hearing by Alex Granville of Reeds Solicitors.
The offence is one that can be tried either in a magistrates’ court or in a crown court.
Mr Hanson elected trial at the magistrates’ court and district judge Paul Booty said he would accept jurisdiction.
Judge Booty adjourned the case until Monday, June 3, when the trial – expected to take around one-and-a-half hours – is scheduled to take place.
Mr Hanson, wearing an open necked shirt and dark overcoat, was meanwhile released on unconditional bail.
