Doug Richard, an advisor to David Cameron and former Dragons' Den star, has been charged with a series of child sex abuse offences. Richard, who was arrested on 5 January, is accused of three counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

The alleged victim is a girl who was 13-years-old at the time the offences are alleged to have taken place, on 2 January 2015.

Richard, 57, a millionaire advisor who has accompanied the prime minster on several trips abroad, will appear before City of London Magistrates' Court on 5 October to face the charges.

Caroline Hughes, CPS London reviewing lawyer, said: "We have carefully considered the evidence gathered by City of London Police in relation to Douglas Richard, 57, who was arrested on 5 January this year.

"Having completed our review, we have concluded that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest for Douglas Richard to be charged with three counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

"Richard is now charged with criminal offences and has the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."

Richard starred in the first two series of Dragons' Den before leaving the show in 2005. To this day, he remains the only Dragon to go through an entire series without investing in an idea.