Comedian Hardeep Singh Kohli has appeared in court accused of committing sexual offences against three women at various locations, including a BBC studio. His trial is scheduled for November.
Kohli appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Friday to face six charges relating to three different women, brought between 2007 and 2016.
The 56-year-old Celebrity Big Brother contestant denies all allegations.
The locations where the incidents took place include the BBC's Pacific Quay studios in Glasgow, where he is alleged to have indecently assaulted a woman by squeezing her buttocks and attempting to hug her between April 2007 and September 2008.
He is also reported to have committed a public disorder in the presence of a woman at an unknown bar and restaurant in Glasgow during the same period.
He is accused of another indecent assault on the same woman at the Radisson Hotel in Glasgow, where he is alleged to have stroked her back and touched her hair during the same period.
Kohli is also accused of indecently assaulting a second woman at the Cross Keys Hotel in Canonbie, Dumfries and Galloway, in June 2008, when he is alleged to have grabbed her arm, lunged at her and attempted to kiss her.
According to the prosecutor's office, in the same incident he also allegedly violated public order and committed a sexual act in the presence of a woman.
In December 2016, Kohli is alleged to have sexually assaulted a third victim at the Yes Bar in Glasgow when he “grabbed her body and attempted to insert his tongue into her mouth”.
The court was told Kohli had lodged a special defence to the indecent assault charge at the Cross Keys Hotel, claiming it was consensual.
The court heard all three women were identified as vulnerable witnesses and a joint statement was agreed between the prosecution and defence.
Defense attorney Urfan Dar noted: “There is a special defense of consent for charge number four.”
Prosecutor Sean Docherty said seven civilian witnesses and one police officer would be called to give evidence.
Sheriff John McCormick has set the trial for November 24 at Glasgow Sheriff Court, which is expected to last five days.
Kohli, who appeared in court wearing a purple turban and a black and grey Adidas tracksuit, was released on bail.
The Glasgow-based comedian has appeared on TV shows including Loose Ends and Question Time.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
