A Tory MP is due to go on trial accused of groping a 15-year-old boy.
Imran Ahmad Khan, 48, who represents Wakefield in West Yorkshire, denies a single charge of sexual assault against the then teenager in Staffordshire in January 2008.
The politician, who has been suspended by the Conservative Party, will stand trial at Southwark Crown Court from Tuesday.
The case, which is expected to last around two weeks, will be heard by UK High Court judge Mr Justice Baker.
Khan, from Wakefield, helped British prime minister Boris Johnson win a large Commons majority in 2019 by taking the constituency in the so-called “red wall”, which had formed Labour’s heartlands in the Midlands and the north of England.
Khan has had his Conservative whip suspended, meaning he sits as an independent in the Commons.
He pleaded not guilty last year and is on unconditional bail.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800 77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/, or visit Rape Crisis Help.
In the case of an emergency, always dial 999/112.
