Editor's Note: Lord Holmes was ultimately cleared of sexual assault. This article was published before that verdict was reached.

Lord Holmes, a Conservative life peer in the House of Lords, is accused of touching the victim during the alleged incident on March 7.

The 47-year-old, who is blind, has been bailed to appear at London's Southwark Crown Court on August 19.

During a brief hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court, he indicated he intends to plead not guilty to the charge.

Defence lawyers for Holmes, winner of six gold medals at the 1992 Paralympic Games in Barcelona before adding three more at Atlanta 1996, said in a statement he "denies any wrongdoing and intends to vigorously defend these charges and accusations".

In addition to his nine Paralympic Games gold medals, Lord Holmes broke 35 world records during his career in the pool.

He has held various roles in sport since his retirement, including director of Paralympic integration at London 2012.

Lord Holmes, who also claimed five Paralympic silvers and a bronze medal, was elevated to the House of Lords the following year.

The Briton had previously served as an ambassador for London's successful Olympic and Paralympic bid and was named deputy chairman of Channel 4, the Paralympic broadcaster in his home country, last year.

He has been a member of House of Lords Select Committees on Digital Skills, Social Mobility, Financial Exclusion and Artificial Intelligence during his political career.