By admin 
Former Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood has appeared in court for his first hearing since being charged with four counts of rape last month.
Westwood, who presented Radio 1’s rap show from 1994 to 2013, has been charged with nine counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual assault, with three of the counts of indecent assault alleged to have taken place in BBC studios in the 1990s, per BBC News.
The charges relate to seven women, some reported to be as young as 17 years-old, with the allegations spanning from 1983 to 2016.
Today (November 10), Westwood was granted bail at a hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. He has not yet been asked to enter a plea, but he has previously denied claims of misconduct.
The Guardian reported that Westwood, who was wearing dark trousers and a dark grey shirt, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.
His release on bail is on the condition that he does not contact prosecution witnesses, and his case will next be heard at Southwark Crown Court on December 8.
Westwood stepped down from his Capital Xtra radio show shortly after the initial allegations emerged, and has consistently denied all claims raised against him.
Commenting on the case last month, Lionel Idan, Chief Crown Prosecutor, said: “Our prosecutors have established that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to trial and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.
“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important that there be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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