Ex-Celtic star Paddy McCourt insisted he is “definitely not guilty” as he appeared in court yesterday accused of sexual assault.
The Northern Irishman is charged with intentionally touching a woman without her consent on January 30 at a nightclub in his home town of Derry.
McCourt, 38, appeared at Londonderry Magistrates’ Court via video-link from his solicitor’s office.
The winger, who played for Celtic between 2008 and 2013, was asked if he understood the charge.
With his wife Laura beside him, he replied: “Yes, but definitely not guilty.”
Defence solicitor Ciaran Shiels raised concerns that another potential suspect who had been standing close to the victim at the time of the alleged assault had not yet been identified or spoken to by police.
The lawyer suggested it had been inappropriate to charge his client before forensic evidence had been analysed.
A police constable told district judge Barney McElholm: “Your worship is well aware of how long forensic admissions take. That could be months.”
But the officer added: “The investigating officer was of the opinion that there was sufficient evidence to charge without any forensic evidence.”
Mr Shiels pressed the officer on whether another person standing close by had been traced.
The constable replied: “I believe there’s a couple of further witnesses that need to be spoken to, to see if they’re willing to come forward, your worship.
“Whether that’s been done yet at this early stage, I can’t say.”
The judge said at the next hearing he would like an update on efforts to locate the other individual and on progress with the forensic inquiries.
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