Kevin SpaceyThe UK’s trial over multiple sexual assault charges is set to begin on June 6, 2023.
The two-time Oscar winner, 62, appeared Thursday morning at London’s historic Central Criminal Court, better known as the Old Bailey, his second British court appearance in less than a month, where he first formally pleaded not guilty to anyone. five charges against him.
Judge Mark Wall, who oversaw the hearing, eventually set the date for the trial, which will either take place at London’s Southwark Crown Court or back at the Old Bailey, with a time frame of three to four weeks. Spacey must remain on unconditional bail until then so that he can move freely in and out of the UK. a decision made at his first hearing at the Westminster Magistrate’s Court on June 16†
Like his first appearance, Spacey arrived in a blue suit and navy tie, and was greeted by a press circus outside the building, where photographers and journalists had gathered for several hours. He seemed calm and confident the entire time, saying very little during the hearing while sitting alone in the dock other than confirming his full name, date of birth and saying “not guilty” to each charge. He also acknowledged the legal ramifications if he failed to appear for his 2023 trial, and even appeared to smile at Justice Wall.
The charges against Spacey, which were read in full, involve four counts of assault against three men dating back to 2005, and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sex.
At the June hearing, although Spacey was not invited to make a formal plea, his attorney Patrick Gibbs QC said the actor “firmly denies any crime in this case.” Gibbs also successfully fought for his client to get unconditional bail, a move that warned prosecutor Natalie Dawson that given the severity of the sentence if found guilty, he would not be able to return. Prosecutor Christine Agnew said Thursday she had no objection to Spacey’s bail.
Gibbs argued that Spacey had so far complied with all legal requirements, spent several hours being questioned by police in the US, and voluntarily turning up for the hearing. He also claimed that his job depended on being able to travel.
“What is he going to do if he doesn’t answer the charges, where is he going to hide?” he said. “Should he be locked up in his London flat, unable to work, unable to audition to work?” Gibbs added that Spacey wanted to be able to answer the charges if he wants to “go on with his life”.