THE former chair of players at Basingstoke Rugby Football Club has pleaded not guilty to a string of sexual offences.

David Ashford, 33, appeared at Winchester Crown Court today charged with three counts of sexual assault and two counts of indecent exposure.

As previously reported by The Gazette, the incidents allegedly took place at the club, in Pack Lane, on November 11 last year following a match.

Mr Ashford is accused of three counts of touching a woman in a sexual way without consent and two counts of exposing his genitals.

Wearing brown shoes, grey trousers and a coat, Mr Ashford, of Coniston Road, Kempshott, spoke only to confirm his name and enter not guilty pleas to all the charges.

He was released on unconditional bail and is expected to stand trial in the autumn. A date is yet to be confirmed.

A club spokesperson previously told The Gazette: “We are aware that a member of Basingstoke RFC has attended court. The individual concerned is suspended from the club and we have been co-operating with the RFU and police on the matter. We are not able to comment further at this time in light of the ongoing investigation.”