Max Clifford goes on trial accused of indecent assault on girl, 17, in the 1980s

Former celebrity publicist Max Clifford is to go on trial later over allegations he indecently assaulted a teenage girl in the 1980s.

The 73-year-old denies assaulting the 17-year-old between October 1981 and May 1982 at his Mayfair offices in New Bond Street.

Clifford, of Hersham, Surrey, is charged under Operation Yewtree, the Met Police investigation set up in the wake of the Jimmy Savile scandal.

Some of the biggest names in show business, including pop mogul Simon Cowell, late reality TV star Jade Goody and boxer Muhammad Ali, were represented by Clifford during his career, which spanned more than 40 years.

A four-week trial is due to begin at Southwark Crown Court in London on Monday.