PREMIER league footballer Titus Bramble has appeared in court facing a third charge of sexual assault.

The 30-year-old Sunderland defender appeared in court in November when he was accused of indecently touching two women in separate incidents on a night out in Yarm, Teesside, on September 28.

During a hearing at Teesside Magistrates’ Court yesterday, the ex-Newcastle United player was told an additional sexual assault charge relating to one of the existing complainants was to be added to the indictment.

Bramble, of Wynyard, Teesside, who was suspended by Sunderland AFC following his arrest, denied the new charge.

He had previously indicated not guilty pleas to the original two sexual assault charges.

The player was also originally quizzed in relation to drugs offences, but these allegations were dropped.

Joanne Hesse, prosecuting, said: “The papers have been served on the defence and we are applying to commit the case to the crown court on a date to be notified. The defendant elected crown court trial.”

Bramble’s lawyer Phil Smith, from London-based Tucker Solicitors, said: “We can confirm we are in a position to commit today.”

Bramble, who was dressed in a dark grey suit, white shirt and black and grey tie, had also been charged with urinating in a public place on the same date but this was discharged after the prosecution said it offered no evidence.