A schools karate instructor has appeared in court charged with sexually abusing and spying on underage girls.
Ex-fireman Seb Coe, 37, pleaded not guilty to inappropriately touching the girls, aged between 13 and 15, at Birmingham Crown Court yesterday.
The self-defence expert also denied voyeurism charges and claims that he indecently exposed himself to the teenagers over a two year period.
Wearing a grey suit and a blue shirt Coe, from Stratford-upon-Avon, Warks., spoke only to indicate his not guilty pleas.
Coe – who changed his name by deed poll from Barry Coe to that of the British Olympic legend Seb in November 2007 – was granted bail to stand trial in November.
Judge James Burbidge told him: “You will be back at this court for trial on November 25.
“Your next appearance at this court will be on October 4 for a pre-trial review.
“You will be released on bail and must not teach karate to anyone under the age of 18 while you are on bail.”
Antonie Muller, defending, said: “Due to this defendant being part of a karate club, there are a lot of witnesses in this case.
“We are estimating that this case is going to take three to four weeks.”
Coe is accused of two counts of sexually touching a girl aged between 13 and 15 on May 5, 2012, and one count of sexually touching a girl aged between 13 and 15 between October 1, 2011, and June 1, 2012.
He has also been charged with one count of attempting to meet a girl aged under 16 – contrary to the Criminal Attempts Act 1981 – between October 1, 2011 and November 1, 2012.
Coe is also accused of two counts of engaging in sexual touching with a girl aged between 13 and 15 between October 1, 2011, and November 1, 2012.
He also faces three charges of exposure, between February 1, 2011, and June 1, 2012 and also two counts of voyeurism between January 1, 2011, and May 31, 2011.
Coe also faces three counts of causing or enticing a child in sexual activity by engaging in sexually active text messages.
His trial is expected to last three to four weeks.
