Hardeep Singh Kohl accused of indecent assault in BBC studio

Comedian and ex-Big Brother contestant Hardeep Singh Kohli has been accused of indecently assaulting a woman in a BBC studio, a court has heard.

Mr Kohli, 56, has denied six sex-related charges against three women between April 2007 and December 2016.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard that in one alleged incident he grabbed a woman’s buttocks and hugged her at BBC Scotland’s headquarters at Pacific Quay, Glasgow.

He is also accused of making sexual comments and other assault charges. He is due to go on trial in November.

Mr Kohli, from Kelvinside in Glasgow, is accused of indecently assaulting the same woman at the city’s Raddison Blu Hotel.

He is said to have stroked her back and touched her hair.

Charges related to a second woman state that Mr Kohli indecently assaulted her at Cross Keys Hotel in Canonbie, Dumfries and Galloway.

It is alleged that he seized her arm, lunged towards her and attempted to kiss her face. A special defence of consent has been lodged.

Mr Kohli is further accused of conducting himself in a disorderly manner and committing a breach of the peace on the same occasion.

The final charge alleges that he sexually assaulted a third woman at the former Yes Bar in Glasgow city centre.

Mr Kohli is accused of seizing her, hugging her and kissing her on the mouth.

Urfan Dar, representing the comedian, told the hearing the defence was ready for a trial that is expected to last four to five days.

Prosecutor Sean Docherty told the court that he would cite seven civilian witnesses and one police witness.

Sheriff John McCormick set the trial for November and continued Mr Kohli’s bail.