A former top Downing Street civil servant will face trial over an alleged sex attack on a barmaid in Tenby.
Fifty-six-year-old Mark Adams, of Tintagel Way, Portsmouth, who spent six years at Number 10 serving as high-flying Private Secretary to John Major and Tony Blair as Prime Ministers, denied the indecent assault when he appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Monday where he pleaded not guilty to one count of sexual assault.
The former civil servant - who was awarded the OBE in 1997 - allegedly sexually assaulted the woman by touching her when she did not consent.
The alleged assault took place at a pub in the seaside resort on December 28 last year.
Another charge of soliciting another person for the purpose of obtaining their sexual services as a prostitute was dropped.
Judge Keith Thomas told the former aide - who is without a solicitor and represented himself from the dock - he would stand trial in September.
From January 1992 until December 1997 he worked at the heart of Government, serving as Private Secretary to Major and Blair in their time as Prime Minister.
Adams is now an independent political consultant, media commentator and general business adviser.
He also advised TV’s The Apprentice winner Michelle Dewberry when she attempted to become an MP.
Adams - who wore a blue suit and a red tie - was released on bail until his next court appearance on condition that he does not visit the popular seaside resort of Tenby.