Former palace striker accused of sexual assault (From Croydon Guardian)

Eagles youth player Nathaniel Pinney accused of touching women in a Sutton nightclub

10:30am Wednesday 12th September 2012 in News By Andrew Bloss

A footballer has been accused of sexually assaulting two girls in a nightclub.

Former Crystal Palace striker Nathaniel Pinney, 21, of South Norwood, is accused of the attack on a girl during a night out at the Wonderland nightclub in Sutton.

It is alleged on August 7, Mr Pinney pulled a girl’s top down so her bra and cleavage was showing while in the club.

He then allegedly grabbed her again later on and squeezed the woman’s breast.

Mr Pinney is then accused of touching her friend's bottom, before slapping the first woman round the face and hitting her again.

Mr Pinney appeared before Camberwell magistrates via video link from Sutton Police station on Friday September 7.

The footballer faces two counts of sexual assault, one count of assault by beating and one count of failing to surrender to police. He pleaded not guilty to all three charges.

Mr Pinney, a product of Crystal Palace’s academy, only made one appearance for the Eagles.

He had a successful loan spell at Ebbsfleet United where he made 28 appearances and scored seven goals. He currently plays for Croydon FC on a week-by-week basis.

Manager John Fowler said he was not aware of the allegations surrounding Mr Pinney. Fowler said the striker would continue to be in his team’s plans, despite the allegations.

He will next appear before Croydon Magistrates on October 19.