Former council leader denies sexually assaulting a woman
A former Melton Borough Council leader denied sexually assaulting a woman when he appeared this morning (Monday) at Leicester Magistrates Court.
Philip Allnatt, of Dorothy Avenue, Melton Mowbray, was charged last month by Leicestershire Police with sexual assault and harassment without violence.
Wearing a blue suit, tie, sunglasses and using a walking stick, Councillor Allnatt stood only to confirm his name, address and plea during the hearing.
The 76-year-old pleaded not guilty to the charge of sexual assault and chose to have the case tried at Leicester Crown Court.
His counsel, Barrie Fairbairn, asked the justices to keep the same bail conditions previously imposed on the defendant.
Justice Michael O’Dell agreed to this and ordered Councillor Allnatt to attend Leicester Crown Court on November 2.
Councillor Allnatt was the leader of Melton Borough Council from May 2023 but he stepped down in April citing ill health.
He currently represents the Melton Egerton ward.