A Swindon crossdresser has denied sexually assaulting a woman after exposing his genitals and scaring two college students with inappropriate remarks.
Andrew Keen, 40, pleaded not guilty to a series of charges following the reported incidents when he appeared before magistrates on Monday (4 October).
Crown prosecutor Keith Ballinger alleged the defendant, of Clanfield Road, Park North, approached a woman whilst he himself was wearing woman’s clothing at around 10.50pm on Sunday 26 September.
During the encounter in Penrose Walk, it is claimed Keen exposed his penis before asking the woman for a selfie and a cuddle. Moments later it’s alleged he touched her bottom.
Mr Ballinger said the defendant had made reference to a charity for children’s heart disease.
It’s also alleged that Keen left two female New College students worried after he approached them claiming to be working for a charity helping children in Africa.
During these incidents in Queens Drive, on 27 and 28 September, it’s claimed he made inappropriate remarks – including by asking them to take off their clothes.
Keen denied charges of sexual assault, indecent exposure and two counts of using words to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
Emma Thacker, defending, told the court that “he accepts he is a crossdresser, but as we all know, there’s nothing wrong with that”.
Mr Ballinger said he believed the case was not suitable for the magistrates’ court, asking it to be adjourned to a crown court. The bench agreed, adjourning it to Swindon Crown Court next month.
Keen was bailed, with conditions not to stand or sit outside New College and not to approach any lone female in a public place. He must not contact his victims directly or indirectly.
