A former armed robber, who said his criminal past was behind him, has appeared in court accused of assaulting a woman he had met outside a nightclub.

Luke Sewell, of South Croydon, denied one charge of common assault by beating when he appeared at Croydon Magistrates' Court this morning.

He spent four years in and out of jail after committing a string of offences, including robbing a shop armed with a gun and committing grievous bodily harm.

In an interview with the Croydon Guardian in July, the 24-year-old said he had turned his back on a life of crime after his repeated spells behind bars, and was now working as a youth mentor.

At court today, Mr Edwards defending told the court Mr Sewell had said in his police interview that he had met the victim outside of a club and she was "very drunk".

He said: "In the cab she hit her head. As she got out she fell over a number of times and hit her head, that is how the injuries were caused."

The court heard the mother of the victim alleges she was sent a message from Mr Sewell in which he admits the assault, but Mr Edwards said Mr Sewell denies having sent the message.

Last month a short film based on Mr Sewell's life experiences as due to be shown on ITV News, as part of a national movement of young people fixing the future.

Speaking last month he said: "Someone with personal experience like me can have impact and make a real difference.

"I want to inspire other young people to make the change I made."

The film, which was part of 'Fixers' - a movement of young people tackling issues they feel strongly about to make a difference to others - was pulled hours before broadcast after producers discovered he had been charged with the offence.

Mr Sewell, who denies the charge, will stand trial at the same court on October 2.

 

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