Actor Kevin Spacey denies UK sex charges
STORY: Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey "strenuously denies" allegations of sexual offenses, his lawyer told a British court on Thursday (June 15).
The actor made his first appearance at a British court to face the charges, dating back almost 20 years.
Spacey is accused of five offenses in Britain: four counts of sexual assault by touching, and a more serious charge of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.
Police said the alleged assaults occurred in the UK between March 2005 and April 2013 and involved three men.
Defense lawyer Patrick Gibbs said Spacey strenuously denies any and all criminality in this case.
Adding that the actor had answered all the allegations in questioning three years ago in the United States, and had cooperated fully with the investigation.
A conviction for sexual assault could lead to a prison sentence of six months or an unlimited fine, while the other offence carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
In court, Spacey spoke only to confirm his name as Kevin Spacey Fowler and his London address when he appeared in the dock, showing little emotion.
He was granted unconditional bail, with his defense saying he needed to be able to leave Britain for work and because his family was in the United States.
The actor is next due to appear at London's Southwark Crown Court on July 14.
Once one of Hollywood's biggest stars, Spacey has largely disappeared from public view since being accused of sexual misconduct five years ago.
The 62-year-old, who won Oscars for best actor in "American Beauty" and best supporting actor in "The Usual Suspects," was dropped from the TV show "House of Cards" and removed from the movie "All the Money in the World" after the accusations of sexual misconduct came to light.
