Trial date set for former council leader accused of sexual assault

Philip Allnatt, of Dorothy Avenue, Melton Mowbray, appeared at Leicester Crown Court today (Monday), to formally enter his plea after being charged with sexual assault of a woman.

Councillor Allnatt previously appeared at Leicester Magistrates’ Court in September, where he pleaded not guilty and chose to have the case heard at the city’s crown court.

Wearing a blue suit, tie, trousers and using a walking stick, Councillor Allnatt pleaded not guilty to the charge once again.

The former Melton Borough Council leader had also faced a charge of harassment without violence, but this has since been dropped, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) was told.

A provisional date of April 3, 2028 was set for Allnatt’s trial.

Councillor Allnatt was the leader of Melton Borough Council from May 2023 until April this year, citing ill health reasons for his departure at the time.

He remains a councillor and currently represents the Melton Egerton ward.