Kevin Spacey: Hollywood actor bailed at London court over sexual assault charges

Actor Kevin Spacey has been granted unconditional bail by a London court over four charges of sexual assault.

The 62-year-old American star appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court this morning (Thursday, June 16) on four charges of sexually assaulting three men.

He also faces a fifth charge of causing a man to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent - which is an indictable-only offence, meaning it must be tried at a crown court.

Spacey was not asked to enter pleas for the alleged offences, which are said to have taken place between 2005 and 2013.

They allegedly occurred when he was living in London as artistic director of the Old Vic theatre.

The preliminary hearing was heard by deputy chief magistrate Tanweer Ikram.

The actor’s next appearance, at a plea and trial preparation hearing, will be at Southwark Crown Court on July 14.

Spacey is represented by Patrick Gibbs QC.

Crowds of media outside court

The American Beauty star arrived at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, dressed in a medium blue suit and a tie, wearing dark frame glasses.

He had flown over from America for the appearance.

A media scrum thronged the building as he was escorted in and out of the court premises.

Broadcasters from around the world were at the scene to witness the actor’s entrance and exit, as cameras flashed and reporters spoke live with their studios.

Journalists joked with court staff while waiting outside the building, and were moved back into a pathway by security to allow Spacey and his team access.

Inside the building, proceedings took place in court one, on the first floor of the premises.

Security guarded the door inside, which was filled with journalists, with no remaining space in the press gallery.

Spacey was seated in the dock, and was asked to give his name, address and date of birth.

After the charges were read, he was not asked to make a plea, but his solicitor said he denied any criminality.

He was greeted by a crowd of reporters and cameras once again on exiting the building as he was rushed into a car.