John Leslie: Former Blue Peter host denies sexual assaulting woman after charge
The alleged incident took place in 2008
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.John Leslie has been charged after allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in Soho more than a decade ago.
It’s said that the alleged incident saw the former Blue Peter presenter, 54, attack a woman in London’s Greek Street on 5 December 2008. The news was reported by Evening Standard.
Leslie has been a TV star since the 1980s. His presenting roles have included This Morning and game show Wheel of Fortune.
The Scotsman, charged under his full name John Leslie Stott, is due to face the sexual assault charge at Westminster magistrates’ court on 25 July.
He denied the charges, telling The Independent: “I am totally innocent of the historic allegation and will be contesting the trial.”
Leslie hit the big time in 1989 after becoming a presenter on BBC series Blue Peter alongside Caron Keating, Anthea Turner, Tim Vincent and Diane-Louise Jordan. He held the role for five years.
Met Police said of the charge: “[John Leslie] was charged by postal requisition on Wednesday, 5 June with sexual touching of a woman aged 16 or over, contrary to Section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
They also revealed the victim was aged 30 at the time of the alleged incident.
According to the charge, Leslie “intentionally touched a woman aged 16 or over, and the touching was sexual when she did not consent and you did not reasonably believe she was consenting”.