Jury sworn in for comedian's trial (From Hampshire Chronicle)
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Jury sworn in for comedian's trial
3:56pm Monday 24th September 2012 in National Entertainment News © Press Association 2013
Justin Lee Collins is accused of harassing former girlfriend Anna Larke
A jury has been sworn in for the trial of comedian Justin Lee Collins, who is accused of harassing his former girlfriend.
The 38-year-old denies putting ex-partner Anna Larke "in fear of violence" between January and August last year.
A jury of nine women and three men was sworn in at St Albans Crown Court and the prosecution will open its case on Wednesday morning.
Collins, of Kew, south west London, pleads not guilty to putting a person in fear of violence by harassment.
The charge alleges that "between January 1, 2011, and August 1, 2011 he caused Anna Larke to fear that violence would be used against her by his course of conduct which he knew or ought to have known would cause fear of violence to Anna Larke on each occasion, in that he assaulted Anna Larke and threatened to assault her".
The jury was warned by Judge John Plumstead not to research the defendant, or to discuss the case, and was told to return at 10.30am on Wednesday, when the trial will be opened.
Collins was granted bail on condition that he does not contact Ms Larke or her family.
