Tory MP Charlie Elphicke has appeared in court to deny sexually assaulting two women.

The MP for Dover is accused of three assaults, one of a woman in 2007 and two on a second alleged victim in 2016.

MP denies sexual assaults in court

Elphicke today appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court where he pleaded not guilty to all three.

He sat behind glass in the dock wearing a dark suit, blue shirt, and grey tie - speaking to confirm his name, date of birth, and address and enter his pleas.

Prosecuting, Natalie Dawson said: "In both events the complainants were sitting, having a glass of wine.

"Mr Elphicke lunged at the complainants, kissed them, and groped their breasts over their clothing.

"In both of those matters both got up and moved away from Mr Elphicke."

He added that a few days later one of the women complained he had groped her in his car.

He will next appear at Southwark Crown Court, central London, next month.

Mark Haslam, defending, said: "It's a combination of factual dispute and complete denial.

"If I make a further point which will assist the court the matter has been under investigation for a significant period of time.

"It has been totally and utterly denied throughout.

"There was no hint of secret about the defendant's position. He has been open with the investigation throughout."

"It's a combination of factual dispute and complete denial..." Mark Haslam, defending

The 48-year-old, who is also Lord Commissioner of the Treasury - also known as whip, was suspended in 2017 after the allegations were made to police.

But, on December 12, the Conservative whip was reinstated before a confidence vote in Theresa May before once again being withdrawn in July this year when he was charged.

The father-of-two has been MP for the Kent constituency since 2010.

To read more of our in depth coverage of all of the major trials coming out of crown and magistrates' courts across the county, click here.

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