TV presenter Justin Lee Collins denies harassment

Justin Lee Collins leaves St Albans Magistrates Court (PA)

Television presenter Justin Lee Collins today denied harassing an ex-girlfriend when he appeared in court.

The Friday Night Project star appeared before magistrates in St Albans, Hertfordshire, over allegations that he caused Anna Larke "fear of violence".

The 37-year-old, who is appearing in the West End show Rock of Ages, attended the court carrying a Reiss shopping bag, wearing jeans, running trainers and a grey knee-length coat with a checked shirt and tie underneath.

Chair of the magistrates' bench, Doreen Clapper, read out the charge against him: "It is alleged that between January 2011 and July 2011 you caused Anna Larke to fear that violence would be used against her by your course of action which you knew or ought to have known would cause fear of violence to her on each occasion that you made threats of violence towards her."

Standing next to his solicitor, the Bristolian comic said: "Not guilty."

The TV presenter elected a crown court trial.

He was bailed on the condition that he would not contact Ms Larke, or three of her relatives, and ordered to attend the court again for a committal hearing on February 17 next year.

When the charges were initially bought against him, a spokeswoman for the star said: "He is shocked and upset by the allegations.

"He is unable to comment on the circumstances and the events to which the charge relates because of the proceedings, but he is confident that he will prove his innocence."

He refused to comment as he left court today.

PA