Lee Hughes appeared at Croydon Magistrates' Court this morning pic: IngytheWingy

Lee Hughes, a Notts County footballer, has pleaded ‘not guilty’ this morning after being charged with sexual assault last week after an alleged incident at a Croydon hotel in December.

The striker appeared at Croydon Magistrates’ Court today to submit his plea.

Hughes, 35, had been staying at the hotel with his teammates the night before an FA Cup match against Sutton United. He was arrested on December 3 after claims he allegedly groped a woman at the Aerodrome Hotel on Purley Way.

As reported last week, Notts County had confirmed the charge but said it would be making no further comment.

Hughes chose for the trial to be held at Croydon Crown Court and has ben released on unconditional bail until his next appearance on March 31.