Former PR guru Max Clifford appeared in court today charged with a historic indecent assault.

Clifford, 72, formerly of Onslow Road, Hersham, is charged with one offence against a woman over the age of 16 which took place between 1981 and 1982.

He appeared this morning at Westminster Magistrates' Court via videolink. He confirmed his name and did not enter a plea to the charge.

Chief Magistrate Howard Riddle told the court the case was too serious to be tried in the magistrates’ court.

Clifford was remanded in custody to appear at Southwark Crown Court on August 4.

Earlier this month, Baljit Ubhey, chief crown prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service London, said: "Having completed our review, we have concluded that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest for Mr Clifford to be charged with one offence of indecent assault."   

Clifford was born in Kingston in 1943 and is reported to have left school at 15, before working at Ely’s department store in Wimbledon.