Broadcaster Stuart Hall Denies 15 Rapes

Veteran broadcaster Stuart Hall has denied 15 counts of rape at Preston Crown Court.

Hall is alleged to have committed seven counts of rape and two indecent assaults against one girl between 1976 and 1978.

The girl was aged between 14 and 16 at the time of the alleged attacks, the court heard.

He is also accused of eight counts of rape and three indecent assaults against his second alleged victim, aged between 11 and 15 at the time.

The attacks took place between 1976 and 1981, the court heard.

The alleged offences took place at various locations in Greater Manchester and Cheshire.

The 84-year-old appeared at the court for the preliminary hearing wearing a dark suit, white shirt and tie.

He sat in the dock with his head bowed for much of the hearing, which lasted more than three hours.

The broadcaster presented the BBC show It's A Knockout. He was later known for his eccentric football commentary on BBC Radio Five Live.

A trial date of May 6 has been set for Preston Crown Court.

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