Leslie in court on sex charges

Mr Leslie arrived with his girlfriend Abby Titmuss

TV presenter John Leslie has been committed to stand trial on two charges of indecent assault.

Both counts relate to the same woman whom the former host of ITV's This Morning programme is alleged to have attacked twice between 25 May and 28 May, 1997.

Mr Leslie walked into Bow Street Magistrates Court holding his girlfriend Abby Titmuss's hand for his first court appearance since he was charged on 18 June.

The 38-year-old told the central London court he would plead not guilty to both charges.

The trial, at Southwark Crown Court, is due to begin on 31 July.

I have said I am not guilty - that is my case John Leslie

The presenter was charged under his full name John Leslie Stott and released on bail on the conditions that he stays at an address known to the police and does not contact the alleged victim.

Outside the court, Mr Leslie said: "I have said I am not guilty - that is my case.

"I am sorry I cannot say anything else."

Arrest

Mr Leslie was arrested on 5 December last year by detectives from Scotland Yard's Special Inquiry Team after voluntarily going to police when allegations of sexual assault were made.

He was charged on the advice of the Crown Prosecution Service following a lengthy investigation.

Mr Leslie has claimed there was "absolutely no truth" in the allegations against him and said the court case would give him a chance to clear his name.

A former Blue Peter presenter, Mr Leslie joined This Morning in 1999.

He took over as a full-time host with Fern Britton in 2001, when original presenters Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan left.