Karate instructor Andrew Crawford has appeared at Swindon Magistrates' Court accused of sexually assaulting one of his child students.

The 36 from Swindon, who once set up a session at Malmesbury Primary School, has been charged with three counts of serious sexual assault against a 15-year-old girl.

The incidents are alleged to have taken place between September 1 and October 31 last year.

Crawford, who wore a dark suit, blue shirt and blue tie, appeared before the deputy district judge yesterday.

The former bouncer spoke only to confirm his name and age at the brief hearing.

He was initially released on bail without charge following the allegations. But he was charged when he returned to the police station earlier this month.

Crawford, who worked as a doorman at Kaos nightclub, ran the Tae-beck martial arts club at Freshbrook Community Centre before starting a franchise of the Matt Fiddes Martial Arts School on the same site.

He is due to appear at Swindon Crown Court on Friday, May 4.