Football legend Paul Gascoigne looks relaxed signing autographs as he arrives to court over ‘racially aggravated joke’
The ex-England star is accused of making a racist comment towards a security guard during a show in Wolverhampton
FORMER footy ace Paul Gascoigne has arrived a court today where her faces charges of making a racist comment towards a security guard.
The 49-year-old former Newcastle, Tottenham and Rangers star is alleged to have used abusive or insulting words, causing racially aggravated harassment and alarm.
The former England hero looked calm and collected as he strolled into court to appear over a "racially aggravated" joke - even taking time to sign AUTOGRAPHS for fans as he made his way in.
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Gazza had been ordered to appear at Dudley Magistrates' Court this morning to answer a charge of making a "racially aggravated" joke while on stage during his 'An Evening With Gazza' event, at Wolverhampton's Civic Hall on November 30 last year.
The former England and Spurs player is alleged to have made a joke about a black bouncer who was standing in the shadows during the event.
The Crown Prosecution Service had initially decided that he should not be prosecuted over the incident, but it was announced earlier this month that he would face court.
Gazza denied the racially aggravated public order offence at Dudley Magistrates Court.
Appearing in a black suit, with a white shirt and wearing a large silver bracelet he winked at his entourage in the public gallery during the 30 minute hearing.
He was told he faces one charge of "using threatening or abusive words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress".
Adjourning the case for a trial in September, JPs told him the allegations he faced would not lead to a prison sentence.
At least four witnesses are expected to give evidence at the star's trial, which will be held at the same court.
At the end of the hearing, District Judge Graham Wilkinson said: "Paul Gascgoine, stand up.
"You have been granted unconditional bail and you must return on September 19.
"If you do not comply it will be a separate offence, which is imprisonable.
"You don't actually face now an imprisonable offence.
"If you are not here proceedings will go ahead in your absence.
"That's the end of proceedings today."
Gascgoine nodded and said: "Thank you, your honour."
The former Spurs and Newcastle midfielder smiled and told the press bench as he left the packed court room: "Cheers guys, write the truth, write the truth".
He then left the building where he was taken away by a waiting taxi after pausing once again to sign autographs for waiting fans.
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