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A Cranleigh hairdresser and former guitarist for the likes of Boyzone and Britney Spears has denied groping two women.

Tim Pearson, 45, of Okewood Hill in Dorking, is accused of five counts of sexual assault against two women between August 2014 and May 2016.

A jury of five men and seven women sitting at Guildford Crown Court heard how Pearson allegedly touched one of the women on the bottom and the genitals, and had grabbed the other's breasts.

He is also alleged to have blown a raspberry on the lips of one of the women.

Mr Pearson has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Another count of sexual assault against a third woman was dropped after being included in error.

Although Mr Pearson, who runs Tim Pearson Hairdressing in Cranleigh, did admit to touching one of the women on the bottom, he said this was not sexual, but a "friendly" attempt to move her out of the way.

"I come from Rotherham and a lot of people do that, it's my personality," he told the court on Friday (January 5).

He added: "I am quite a touchy-feely person, I treat men and women the same."

But Mr Pearson insisted the other allegations were untrue, saying: "I would never get up and touch a woman's genitals. I would never do that."

In his closing argument on Monday (January 8), Simon Shannon, prosecuting, said Mr Pearson was "the author of his own misfortune" and had turned to drink in order to cope with his divorce at the time the offences were alleged to have occurred.

"It is easy to see how that could lead to a downward spiral," said Mr Shannon. "His behaviour was worsening every day. Finding himself in that situation, he behaved as he pleased.

"His behaviour stepped over the line into criminal behaviour. Not banter, not touchy-feeliness, but criminal behaviour."

'Tactile'

Heather Oliver, defending, pointed to descriptions of Mr Pearson provided to the court by some of his friends and clients.

She said: "They described a man who was charming to women, respectful to women. Have they had the wool pulled over their eyes?

"The prosecution has offered no explanation as to why this man of effective good character would suddenly change his ways.

"He might have been a bit tactile, might have given hugs and kisses, but never crossed that line."

The trial continues.

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