Footballer Raheem Sterling charged with assault Published duration 1 February 2013

image caption Raheem Sterling was not present at the hearing

Premier League footballer Raheem Sterling has been charged with assaulting a woman.

The 18-year-old Liverpool and England winger from Woolton, Liverpool, was summonsed to Liverpool Youth Court on a charge of common assault.

Police said a 27-year-old suffered "slight" facial injuries in an alleged incident in Toxteth on 2 November.

Mr Sterling did not attend the hearing but his solicitor said he denies the allegation.

He said the alleged offence took place when the footballer was 17 but, as he turned 18 in December, the matter should be transferred to the adult courts.

Solicitor Mick Hogan said: "I do have instructions to the effect that Mr Sterling will be pleading not guilty to this charge.

"He is aware of today's hearing and the club are very supportive."

The move to the adult courts was supported by the prosecution and Chairman of the Bench Brian Upton adjourned the matter to Liverpool Magistrates' Court on 22 February.