Former Dragons' Den star and Conservative Party adviser Douglas Richard has been charged with child sex offences.

A statement issued by the Crown Prosecution Service 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.

“The alleged offences occurred on 2 January 2015 and relate to one victim aged 13 at the time. The decision to prosecute has been taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

"Mr Richard will appear before City of London Magistrates' Court on 5 October.

"Mr 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."