Paralympic swimmer Lord Chris Holmes denies sexually assaulting woman in luxury London hotel

A Conservative peer and one of Britain's most successful Paralympians is to face trial charged with a sex assault on a woman at a luxury five-star hotel.

Lord Holmes of Richmond, 47, a nine-time Paralympic swimming champion, is accused of touching the alleged victim at a hotel in central London on March 7, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard.

Lord Holmes, who is blind, was led into court by his lawyer Alexander dos Santos and walked to a seat just in front of the dock by another member of his legal team.

The Conservative life peer confirmed his name as Christopher Holmes, of Richmond, south west London, and his nationality as British during the brief hearing.

He also indicated that he intends to plead not guilty to the charge and was unconditionally bailed to next appear at London's Southwark Crown Court on August 19.

Lord Holmes was a champion swimmer winning six gold medals at the 1992 Barcelona Games and three at the Atlanta Paralympics four years.

He also broke 35 world records before moving into top roles in sports management and politics.

He was director of Paralympic integration for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games before taking his seat in the House of Lords in 2013.

His website says he campaigns for more accessible environments for disabled people and has been asked to head a Government review that will make recommendations on how to encourage more disabled people to apply for public appointments.

Lord Holmes has also sat on a number of House of Lords select committees and has introduced a private members bill to tackle unpaid internships.

In a statement before the hearing, his defence lawyers confirmed their "client denies any wrongdoing and intends to vigorously defend these charges and accusations".