Ex-Rochdale and Celtic footballer Paddy McCourt insists he is 'definitely not guilty' of sex assault

Former Rochdale, Northern Ireland and Celtic footballer Paddy McCourt insisted he was “definitely not guilty” as he appeared before a judge accused of sexual assault.

McCourt, 38, from Wheatfield Court in Muff, Co Donegal, appeared before Derry Magistrates’ Court via videolink from his solicitor’s office today (February 2).

He is accused in relation to an incident in a nightclub in Derry last month.

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He is charged with intentionally touching a woman in a sexual manner without her consent on January 30.

During the short first appearance hearing before district judge Barney McElholm, a defence solicitor expressed concerns that a potential other suspect who had been standing close to the victim at the time of the alleged assault had not yet been identified or spoken to by police.

At the outset of proceedings, McCourt, who was capped 18 times by Northern Ireland during his career, was asked if he understood the charge he was facing.

With his wife Laura sitting beside him, he replied: “Yes, but definitely not guilty.”

McCourt also appeared 80 times for Rochdale AFC, after joining from a youth side in Derry.

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