A Sheffield doctor has denied an allegation that he sexually assaulted a woman in Berkshire.
Dr John O'Connell, who runs The Sheffield Clinic in the Broomhall area of Sheffield, is accused of committing the alleged offence in Hungerford in October 2024.
The 64 year old appeared before Reading Crown Court on Monday, where he entered a not guilty plea to the allegation.
Trial Scheduled for 2027
Following the hearing, a trial has been scheduled to take place at Reading Crown Court on 11 February 2027.
The case will therefore continue through the criminal justice process, with the prosecution required to establish its case in court.
Dr O'Connell not guilty plea means that the allegation remains contested. No finding of guilt has been made against him.
Case to Be Determined by the Court The allegation relates to an incident said to have occurred in Hungerford, Berkshire, in October 2024. Details of the evidence in the case have not been established through a trial at this stage.
As the proceedings continue, the court will consider the evidence presented by both sides before reaching a decision.
It is important to distinguish between an allegation, a defendant's response and a finding of guilt. In this case, Dr O'Connell has denied the allegation and pleaded not guilty.
The scheduled trial in February 2027 is expected to determine the outcome of the case unless the proceedings change before then.
Until a verdict is reached, the allegation should not be treated as proof that an offence was committed.