PAUL Gascoigne grabbed a woman's face and kissed her on the lips to give her a "confidence boost" as she was a "fat lass", a court heard today.

The Rangers hero allegedly kissed the woman "very forcibly and sloppily on the lips" as they travelled on a train between from York to Durham on August 20 last year.

5 Paul Gascogine pictured arriving at court today charged with sexual assault Credit: BackGrid

The 52-year-old had been "shouting and swearing" behind the woman and had attempted to sit on her when the incident unfolded, Teesside Crown Court heard.

Prosecutor William Mousley QC said Gazza, who also played for Newcastle, Spurs, Everton and Lazio, was "drunk".

When the ex-England footballer was confronted by other passengers, he told them he had tried to give her a "confidence boost", the court heard.

Gascoigne later described the woman as a "fat lass" and tried to defend himself by saying other passengers had been teasing her about her build, it was said.

The jury was told that while being quizzed by cops he said he had given the woman a "peck on the lips to reassure her".

Describing the alleged offence as a "blatant act", Mr Mousley said it was "humiliating" for the woman involved, adding: "Perhaps it was him showing off."

Giving evidence today, the woman told jurors she noticed the former footballer being "very noisy" on the train, saying: "There were lots of cans on the floor."



'HE GRABBED MY FACE AND KISSED ME'

She explained she had put headphones on to block out the noise from "intoxicated" Gascoigne but he engaged her in a conversation by asking if she was a palm reader.

The woman said: "I turned around to face him and he grabbed my face and kissed me full on the lips, and I was taken aback because it was just completely out of the blue."

She told jurors she did not know that the man who kissed her on the train was the former footballer until after the incident.

The woman also denied someone had asked him: "Why would you want a photo with that fat cow?"

Gascoigne's barrister Michelle Heeley QC asked if had come over to comfort her and said "do not worry, you're very beautiful", before moving to kiss her.

The woman responded: "I do not recall that happening."

GAZZA ON TRIAL

Gascoigne is on trial at Teesside Crown Court after denying one count of sexual assault by touching in December last year.

The footballer was pictured arriving at court today wearing sunglasses and a blue suit with a matching blue and white tie.

Before he entered the doors a fan shouted: "Come on Gazza, man!" Gascoigne smiled and replied: "Alright lads?"

Jurors were asked to put any views they have of him to one side and had to state if they were ever employed by any of his previous clubs.

Midfielder Gascoigne earned 57 caps for England during his international career and was branded one of the greatest players of his generation.

He famously broke down in tears at the 1990 World Cup after receiving a yellow card in the semi-final with West Germany - meaning he would not play if England reached the final.

During his career, Gazza enjoyed successful stints at Tottenham, where he helped the team win the FA Cup in 1991, Lazio, Rangers and Middlesbrough.

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The ace also played for Everton and later had spells at Burnley and Boston United.

But following retirement, Gazza battled alcohol problems - although has since turned his life around.

The trial is expected to last five days.

5 Gascoigne has denied the charge Credit: Getty Images - Getty

5 He is on trial at Teesside Crown Court today Credit: Reuters

5 A tearful Gazza after England lose to West Germany in the 1990 Fifa World Cup Credit: Getty - Contributor

5 Paul Gascoigne while playing for Spurs Credit: PA:Press Association

Spurs and England legend Gazza rolls back the years to slot home penalty in charity game

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