Child sex charges against ‘Dragon’

A former Dragons’ Den star who acted as an adviser to UK prime minister David Cameron has appeared in court over child sex charges.

Doug Richard is accused of three counts of sexual activity with a child and one of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

The charges relate to a single complainant, a girl aged 13 at the time they are alleged to have taken place in January.

Richard, 57, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during the short hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

He was released on unconditional bail to appear at the Old Bailey on October 19.

Richard, of Islington, north London, was described in court by both the prosecution and defence as being a man of good character.

He denied the allegations in a short statement issued after the charges were confirmed last month.

The US-born businessman said at the time: “I absolutely deny the charges against me and will contest this matter in court.”

The millionaire, who appeared on BBC’s Dragons’ Den in the first two series, reportedly travelled with Cameron on an official government trip to Africa and advised on policy.