RANGERS legend Paul Gascoigne is set to appear before a crown court judge today charged with sexually assaulting a woman by kissing her on a train.

The 51-year-old was arrested while travelling from York to Newcastle on August 20 and was later charged with sexual assault by touching, British Transport Police said.

The alleged incident was said to have happened at Darlington and to have involved the former England footballer kissing a woman over the age of 16.

Glasgow Times:
Gazza played for Rangers between 1995 and 1998

Gascoigne - known as Gazza - appeared at Peterlee Magistrates' Court last month to enter a not guilty plea.

He elected to be tried by a jury and his case was sent to Teesside Crown Court where he will appear before the most senior judge, The Recorder of Middlesbrough, Judge Simon Bourne-Arton QC.

The case was listed for plea and trial preparation.

Gascoigne, who played for Newcastle United, Spurs, Lazio, Rangers, Middlesbrough and Everton, among other clubs, previously protested his innocence on Twitter, saying he had stepped in to comfort a woman after she was called a "fat cow".

Gazza played for Rangers between 1995 and 1998. In recent years, however, he has become more known for his battle with drugs and alcoholism.