THE former chair of players at Basingstoke Rugby Football Club has been suspended from the club after being charged with a string of sexual assaults.
David Ashford, 33, appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on March 1 charged with three counts of sexual assault and one indecent exposure.
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 one count of exposing his genitals.
Hampshire Constabulary confirmed that they received a report about the alleged incidents and an investigation was carried out before Mr Ashford was charged.
The Coniston Road, Kempshott, resident pleaded not guilty to all charges and the case was referred on to Winchester Crown Court where he is due to stand trial. He was released on unconditional bail.
A club spokesperson said: “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.”
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