Broadcaster Stuart Hall denies sex abuse of three girls

The 83-year-old former It’s a Knockout star gave his full name as James Stuart Hall when he was called before the bench for the brief hearing at Preston Magistrates’ Court.

Hall was asked by the clerk of the court if he understood that he faced three separate charges of indecent assault and if he wanted to enter a plea. He replied: “Yes I do. Not guilty to all three charges.”

Hall was allowed to sit down in the witness box while further details of the charges were given.

Joanne Cunliffe, prosecuting, said the case should be sent to crown court because they are too serious to be dealt with at magistrates’ court.

Outlining the charges, she said Hall is alleged to have fondled the breast of one girl, then aged 16 or 17, between September 1, 1974, and December 31, 1974, in Blackpool.

On a second occasion he is alleged to have molested a nine-year-old girl by touching some time between January 1, 1983, and December 31, 1983, and the third alleged indecent assault is that he kissed a 13-year-old girl on the lips, on an occasion between July 1, 1984, and September 27, 1984.

None of the alleged victims can be named for legal reasons.

Louise Straw, defending, told District Judge Peter Ward there would be no objection to the case being sent to the crown court, where the matter would go before a jury. Hall was bailed until April 16 for a next appearance at Preston Crown Court.