Cranleigh man accused of sex assaults on two women

A former guitarist for Britney Spears and Michael Jackson is facing jail after being accused of sexually assaulting two women.

Tim Pearson, 44, from Cranleigh in Surrey, said he was ‘quite a touchy-feely person’ as he denied five counts of sexual assault at Guildford Crown Court.

The guitarist to the stars is alleged to have attacked his victims between August 2014 and May 2016.

Pearson is accused of touching one of the women on the bottom and genitals as well as groping his other victim’s breasts.

He was also alleged to have blown a raspberry on the lips of one of the women.  

Pearson trained as a hairdresser after leaving school but was drawn to the music industry and he became lead guitarist for Boyzone in 1996.

He went on to tour with Robbie Williams, Blue, All Saints and Elvis Costello, and also performed at the Royal Variety Show in London.

After 10 years of touring he returned to Cranleigh and set up Timothy Pearson Hairdressing in 2006.

Simon Shannon, prosecuting, told the court that Person had turned to drink at the time of the offences, following the breakdown of his marriage.

‘It is easy to see how that could lead to a downward spiral,’ said Mr Shannon.

After 10 years of touring Pearson returned to Cranleigh (pictured) and set up Timothy Pearson Hairdressing in 2006

‘His behaviour was worsening every day. Finding himself in that situation, he behaved as he pleased.

‘His behaviour stepped over the line into criminal behaviour. Not banter, not touchy-feeliness, but criminal behaviour.’

Although admitting touching one of the women on the buttocks, the former musician said this was not sexual but a ‘friendly’ attempt to move her out of the way.

‘I come from Rotherham and a lot of people do that, it’s my personality,’ he told the court.

Pearson (pictured) said he did not sexually assault the two women but was ‘quite a touchy-feely person’, at Guildford Crown Court 

‘I am quite a touchy-feely person, I treat men and women the same.’ 

He insisted the other allegations were untrue.

‘I would never get up and touch a woman’s genitals. I would never do that’, Pearson said.

Heather Oliver, defending, told the court friends and clients described the defendant as ‘charming and respectful’ to women.  

She said: ‘Have they had the wool pulled over their eyes? The prosecution has offered no explanation as to why this man of effective good character would suddenly change his ways.

‘He might have been a bit tactile, might have given hugs and kisses but never crossed that line.’  

The trial continues.