Conservative MP Charlie Elphicke denies claims he sexually assaulted two women

Dover MP Charlie Elphicke leaves court after entering not guilty pleas to three charges of sexual assault
PA
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A Conservative MP will stand trial next summer over claims he sexually assaulted two women in incidents a decade apart.

Charlie Elphicke, the MP for Dover, allegedly kissed and groped one of the women in June 2007, three years before he was elected to Parliament.

He is also accused of twice sexually assaulting a second woman on days in April and May 2016.

The politician, 48, appeared this morning in the dock at Southwark crown court to plead not guilty to three charges of sexual assault against the two women.

Charlie Elphicke with his wife Natalie Ross
PA

Judge Deborah Taylor, the Recorder of Westminster, set down his trial for June 29 next year, to be heard in front of a High Court judge.

She also issued a warning to the public about commenting on the case on social media ahead of the trial.

“It is very clear that it is not only news outlets that are subject to Contempt of Court rules”, she said. “Members of the public who pre-judge cases by posting comments on social media sites like Twitter and Facebook may also be liable on the same basis as media organisations.”

Elphicke, a former government whip, was freed on unconditional bail until the trial. A pre-trial hearing is due to take place

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