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Rugby Union

Barkley denies assault

31/12/2007

England rugby union player Olly Barkley has pleaded not guilty to assaulting a fellow guest at a wedding reception.

The 26-year-old was charged on Wednesday December 19th with assault occasioning bodily harm.

He is accused of attacking TV producer Simon Cole at the wedding of Barkley's Bath and England former team-mate Matt Perry at Stowe School near Buckingham.

Thames Valley police explained that the charge came after a decision from the crown prosecution service (CPS).

"The charge relates to an allegation of assault at a private event in Stowe, Buckingham, on July 15th 2007," a statement explained.

At a brief hearing before Aylesbury Magistrates' court this morning, the Bath player indicated a not guilty plea after the charge was put to him by the court clerk.

While magistrates had decided the case could be decided by them, Barkley opted for a crown court trial before a jury.

Barkley, who has 21 international caps to his name, was part of the England Rugby World Cup squad that ultimately lost in the final to South Africa.

Magistrates granted him unconditional bail to return to the same court on February 11th for a committal hearing.