Paul Gascoigne charged with sexual assault over train incident

Ex-Newcastle and Tottenham midfielder set to appear in court over alleged offence on York to Durham rail service

Former England footballer Paul Gascoigne has been charged with sexually assaulting a woman on a train.

The 51-year-old is alleged to have committed to offence on a service from York to Durham on 20 August, British Transport Police said.

He was arrested at Durham Station and later charged with one count of sexual assault by touching.

“A man is due to appear in court next month charged in connection with the sexual assault of a woman on board a train from York to Durham,” a spokesperson for the force said.

“Paul Gascoigne was charged via postal requisition with one count of sexual assault by touching, contrary to Section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

“The charge relates to an incident on board a train on August 20 this year.”

He will appear now at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court on 11 December.

Widely known by the nickname “Gazza”, the former footballer was considered one of the most naturally-gifted English players of his generation.

He played 57 times for the national team between 1988 and 1998, scoring 10 goals.

During his club career, the midfielder had spells at Newcastle, Tottenham, Lazio and Rangers.

In the later parts of his career and into his retirement, Gascoigne's life became dominated by issues surrounding substance abuse, spending several spells in rehab battling drug and alcohol addiction.

Additional reporting by PA