Barkley denies wedding assault

England rugby star Olly Barkley today pleaded not guilty to assaulting a fellow guest at a wedding.

The 26-year-old fly-half, who plays for Bath Rugby Club, is alleged to have attacked Simon Cole following a reception at Stowe School in Buckinghamshire this summer.

He appeared in the dock wearing grey trousers and a black jacket for a brief hearing before Aylesbury Magistrates’ Court.

Barkley indicated a not guilty plea after the charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm on July 15 this year was put to him by the court clerk.

Although magistrates decided the case was suitable for them to deal with, Barkley opted for a crown court trial before a jury.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of six months in jail if dealt with by magistrates but can go up to five years’ imprisonment at crown court.

Barkley, from Bath, appeared for England during this year’s World Cup in France and has earned 21 caps during his career.

Magistrates granted him unconditional bail to return to the same court on February 11 for a committal hearing.