A TOP chef who was appointed food ambassador at New College Worcester has been accused of sexually assaulting a young woman in a hotel room.

Patrick McDonald, who was given the role at the college for blind and visually impaired children in January 2018, is standing trial at Oxford Crown Court accused of sexual assault.

Michelin-starred McDonald is the head chef for England's senior rugby team and the jury was told that he was working at Oxford's Randolph Hotel, catering for the squad, at the time of the alleged sex attack in February 2018.

As his trial at Oxford Crown Court got under way yesterday jurors were told how the 56-year old, of Rough Leasowe in Suckley, Worcestershire, had invited his alleged victim into his room before he locked the door behind her and began groping her.

Prosecutor Edward Culver said the alleged sex attack lasted a matter of moments.

He told the court: "[McDonald] stepped towards her and held her face with his hands, he then kissed her, forcing his tongue inside her mouth. This was for a few seconds. He then put his right arm around her upper body and with his left stroked her [groin area] over her clothing."

He said that the alleged victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, then fled the hotel room before reporting what had happened to a member of staff.

Police were later called to the hotel and McDonald was arrested before he was later charged.

Mr Culver added: "This is not a situation where there has been a misunderstanding or confusion or innocent brushing of bodies or parts of bodies. The defendant deliberately kissed and touched [the alleged victim], sexual touching, which he knew was both uninvited and unwelcome."

In the witness box yesterday, the alleged victim said she was left feeling 'scared, nervous and quite shaky' after the incident.

During cross examination, defence barrister Alistair Grainger said the woman had 'winked' at McDonald and mimed a sex act to him, which she denied.

Mr Grainger said McDonald had not grabbed the young woman, but had instead dropped a set of keys on the floor and, while picking them up, became unsteady on his feet and grabbed hold of her to retain his footing.

The trial continues.