Kohli to stand trial on sex offence charges

Scottish comedian and former Big Brother contestant Hardeep Singh Kohli stands trial on six sexual offence charges involving three women between 2007 and 2016.

Comedian Hardeep Singh Kohli faces trial on sex offences charges

Scottish comedian Hardeep Singh Kohli, 56, appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court to deny six charges of indecent assault, sexual comments, and related offences linked to three women between 2007 and 2016. The allegations span multiple locations, including BBC Studios in Pacific Quay, a Glasgow bar, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Cross Keys Hotel in Canonbie, and Yes Bar in Glasgow. The first woman is said to have been indecently assaulted at BBC Studios, with groping, grabbing, and hugging alleged. A second charge involves a sexual comment at a Glasgow bar. The third charge relates to an indecent assault at a Glasgow hotel, where she says Kohli stroked her back and touched her hair. The second woman faces a charge at Cross Keys Hotel involving seizing the arm, lunging toward her, and attempting to kiss her face, with a consent defence lodged for this charge. A separate charge covers disorderly conduct and breach of the peace, including an alleged exposed act at the same time and place. A final charge claims Kohli sexually assaulted a third woman at Yes Bar by seizing her, hugging her, kissing her, and attempting to put his tongue in her mouth. The defendant pleaded not guilty to all six charges.

The case tests how a public figure is treated when allegations of sexual offences surface. It underscores the importance of due process and credible testimony over sensational headlines. The defence has signalled readiness for trial, while prosecutors outlined witnesses and disclosure steps that will shape the proceedings. The mix of locations and charges also raises questions about how consent is interpreted in complex social situations and how such cases are reported to protect victims while preserving fairness for the accused. This trial will matter not just for Kohli, but for public confidence in the justice process when high profile figures are accused.

Highlights

The outcome will depend on evidence and the careful application of the law.