Words: Alastair James; pictures: Television Academy/YouTube

Kevin Spacey has pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual assault against three men. 

The House of Cards actor, 62, appeared at the Old Bailey in London for a hearing on Thursday (14 July).

Spacey has been charged with two counts of sexual assault against a now 40-year-old man relating to an incident in London in March 2005. 

There is also one charge of sexual assault on a now 30-year-old man, and causing him to engage in non-consensual penetrative sex in London in August 2008.

One charge of sexual assault relates to another now 30-year-old man in Gloucestershire in April 2013, during Spacey’s tenure as the Artistic Director at the Old Vic Theatre in London. 

At a previous hearing the actor “strenuously denied” the allegations against him. He is currently on unconditional bail.

If he is found guilty of sexual assault, the actor could face a six-month prison sentence or an unlimited fine. The other offence of non-consensual penetrative sex carries a maximum punishment of life imprisonment.