Paul Gascoigne says he is ‘scared’ as he pleads not guilty to sexual assault

Paul Gascoigne has pleaded not guilty to a charge of sexual assault on a train as he told a judge he is “worried to bits” and “scared”.

The former England footballer, 51, was arrested while travelling on a CrossCountry service from York to Newcastle on 20 August.

He was accused of kissing a woman without her consent and was later charged with sexual assault by touching.

The alleged incident is said to have happened at Darlington and involved a woman over 16.

Gascoigne, known affectionately as “Gazza”, later said on Twitter he was trying to comfort the woman after someone called her a “fat cow”.

He has denied the sexual assault charge by saying he has a propensity to kiss people “in a non-sexual manner”, Teesside Crown Court heard on Monday.

The former Premier League footballer, wearing a blue suit and an open neck shirt, appeared upset when he sat in the dock.

He stated his full name and date of birth, and when asked his nationality he replied: “English, Protestant.”

Gascoigne had to be asked to be quiet by Judge Simon Bourne-Arton during the hearing.

After being told his trial could not be accommodated before 14 October, Gascoigne called out: “Sir, Your Honour.”

The judge replied: “Be quiet.”

Gascoigne said: “I’m worried to bits. I’m scared.”

He then apologised to the judge.

His solicitor, who was in court while his barrister was appearing via a videolink, then went to speak to Gascoigne in the dock.

The judge said: “You have a solicitor and you have a QC, they will look after your interests.”

Mr Bourne-Arton then told him to be quiet again, to which the former player said: “I’m tired.”

Gascoigne could he heard telling his solicitor that the police officer who arrested him talked about football, and asked for an autograph and selfies.

The judge said: “Everyone can hear what you are saying.

“It is in your interest to speak quietly.”

Mr Bourne-Arton also warned him that he must turn up for his trial.

Gascoigne replied: “I will do, your lord.

“I cannot wait.

“I have done nothing wrong.”

Gascoigne thanked Mr Bourne-Arton as he walked out of the courtroom, kissed his fingers and gestured towards the robed judge in an apparent mark of respect.

He will apply for legal aid to be represented by a QC, as the case is being prosecuted by a barrister of the same seniority.

Gascoigne’s barrister Michelle Heeley QC told the court that a number of character witnesses will give evidence “about his propensity to kiss people in a non-sexual manner”.

The retired footballer appeared at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court in December and elected to be tried by a jury.

Gascoigne played for Newcastle United, Spurs, Lazio, Rangers, Middlesbrough and Everton, among other clubs.

He was regarded as one of the most talented English footballers of his generation, winning 57 caps.

The Gateshead-born midfielder was a key player for England at both the 1990 World Cup and the 1996 European Championship.

The team reached the semi-finals of both tournaments.

(c) Sky News 2019: Paul Gascoigne says he is ‘scared’ as he pleads not guilty to sexual assault