Max Clifford in court on string of sex charges

PR guru Max Clifford gives a statement to the media as he arrives at Southwark Crown Court

The 70-year-old, from Hersham in Surrey, faces 11 counts relating to seven alleged female victims between 1966 and 1984.

Clifford appeared at Southwark Crown Court, in London, where he denied all charges.

Speaking outside court after the hearing, Clifford repeated that he was innocent.

He said: “The nightmare continues, it has done since last December.

“I want to thank everyone for their support, in this country and abroad.

“It is a nightmare for myself and everyone close to me. I am totally innocent.

“Next March (the date of Clifford’s trial), as long as the truth comes out, it will be fine and I can get back to a normal life.”

Clifford, famed for representing celebrities including Simon Cowell and Jade Goody, spoke only to confirm his name and to enter not-guilty pleas to the charges during the 40-minute hearing.

He was released on bail until his trial next March, which is expected to last for up to five weeks.

Clifford, who was arrested last December and charged in April, was released on conditional bail and told he must live at his home address.

Judge Anthony Leonard told Clifford, wearing a grey jacket and white, open-neck shirt, that he is not allowed to contact prosecution witnesses.

Before heading into court for the hearing, Clifford told reporters: “I’m OK. Obviously I am totally innocent of these charges, from seven ladies.

“It’s been a very hard time for myself, my wife, my family, loved ones.

“I have been helped tremendously by the public support, everywhere I go. That obviously has made a huge difference.”