Sex attack claim

CHRIS KILLEN leaving the court at Bury

EX-OLDHAM Athletic star Chris Killen has denied sexually assaulting a woman at his former Bury home.

Mr Killen (35) appeared in the dock at Bury Magistrates' Court on Friday to deny the single charge dating back to September.

Alan Bakker, prosecuting, said the offence had taken place in Mr Killen's former mansion, which has a pool and jacuzzi and had been rented out on the night in question.

Ian Lewis, defending, denied any touching had taken place.

The ex-New Zealand international, whose career included stints at Manchester City, Middlesbrough and Celtic, appeared before the magistrates in a sharp blue suit and tie.

He was seen leaving the courthouse with a group of men.

Mr Killen, of London Road in Adlington, near Macclesfield, spoke only to confirm his name and address and to plead not guilty to sexually touching a woman without consent.

He was granted unconditional bail and will appear at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court on Friday, November 18.

The striker played for Manchester City between 1999 and 2002, between loan stints with Wrexham and Port Vale.

He later joined Latics, playing more than 70 times and scoring 17 goals.

He represented his country at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, playing in all three of New Zealand's group game draws against Slovakia, Italy and Paraguay.

After being released by Middlesbrough in 2010, Mr Killen ended his football career in Britain and signed a contract with Chinese Super League side Shenzhen Ruby.