Former footballer Paul Gascoigne has been charged with sexual assault today over claims he inappropriately touched a woman on a train between York to Durham.
The former England midfielder was detained at Durham railway station in August after police were called in.
Following an investigation, the 51-year-old has now been charged with one count of sexual assault by touching, British Transport Police announced this afternoon.
Paul Gascoigne, pictured (left) during a theatre appearance in Portsmouth ten days ago, has been charged with sexual assault. He was pictured (right) in Newcastle three days after he was held by police over the the alleged sexual assault
Gascoigne had been watching boxing in Belfast the weekend before the allegation was made
A police spokesman said: ‘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.
‘Paul Gascoigne, of Leicester, 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 at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court in County Durham on December 11.
Gascoigne – known as Gazza to football fans – did not comment after he was held by police in August.
He had been pictured at a boxing event in Belfast two days before the alleged offence after apparently flying to Northern Ireland with friends on a private jet.
Gascoigne was pictured with boxing fans at Windsor Park, Belfast two days before he was held
The 51-year-old was held by police at Durham station, pictured, following the allegations
A police spokesman said at the time of the allegation: ‘Officers were called to Durham station at 6.45pm on Monday August 20 following reports that a woman had been sexually assaulted on board a CrossCountry train from York.
The former Tottenham and Lazio midfielder has been battling alcohol addiction for a number of years.
Gascoigne rose to fame at Newcastle United in 1980s before moving to Tottenham Hotspur and found worldwide renown during his appearances for England at the World Cup 1990.
He later played for a host of clubs, including Lazio in Italy, Glasgow Rangers in Scotland and Everton and Middlesbrough in the English Premier League.
The later part of his career was dogged with claims of alcohol abuse and he has struggled with alcoholism since retiring from football in 2004.
Gascoigne posted this picture on Facebook the day after he was held. It is thought the picture was taken the weekend before the incident, when he travelled to Northern Ireland with friends
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