Paul Gascoigne arrested over sexual assault on train

Former England footballer Paul Gascoigne has been charged with sexually assaulting a female passenger on a train earlier this year.

The 51-year-old was arrested on arrival at Durham railway station on 20 August over an alleged incident which took place on a train from York to Durham.

“Paul Gascoigne, of Amy Street, Leicester, was charged via postal requisition with one count of sexual assault by touching, contrary to Section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003,” a British Transport Police spokeswoman confirmed in a statement.

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He is due to appear in court on 11 December, when he will be allowed to enter a plea to the charge.

Gascoigne, dubbed “Gazza” in the press, “was regarded as one of the most talented midfielders of his generation”, says Sky News, racking up 57 international caps as well as stints with Newcastle United and Lazio.

However, the troubled star has battled alcohol addiction and mental health issues for 20 years, and “the charge is the latest in a string of scandals which have come to dominate his private life”, says talkSPORT.

Since his retirement in 2004, Gascoigne has frequently found himself in the headlines for the wrong reasons, including arrests for drink driving and assault.