A Mayfair based hedge fund manager has denied putting hand up woman's skirt in alleged sex assault more than two decades ago.
Crispin Odey, 61, is accused of an offence against a female bank employee in her 20s at a Chelsea address.
Mr Odey, the founder of investment firm Odey Asset Management, appeared in the dock at Westminster Magistrates’ Court wearing a grey suit, blue shirt and pink tie.
He spoke to confirm his name, address, and date of birth. He then pleaded not guilty to a single charge of indecent assault.
Prosecutor Aaron McCalister told the court that the alleged victim was assaulted after going to an address in Swan Walk, Chelsea following a work meeting.
He told the court: “This assault is said to have taken place by the defendant of a complainant who was a junior employee of a bank...
“The defendant said he would change out [of his suit] and returned in a dressing gown... He launched himself at her putting his hand up her skirt or dress”.
The alleged incident took place at Mr Odey’s address in Swan Walk on July 13 1998, the court heard. Chairman of the magistrates bench Richard Duncalf adjourned the case for a a two day trial on 17 and 18 February at Hendon Magistrates Court.
A statement issued on behalf of Mr Odey after today’s hearing said: “I am pleased that the magistrates have agreed to hear this historic matter quickly.
I look forward to having the facts heard And maintain the allegation is untrue.”
Oxford educated Mr Odey set up his company in 1991 and is one of the UK’s richest hedge fund managers.