A former member of the Northern Ireland Assembly today appeared in court over charges that he indecently assaulted a council worker.
A lawyer for Mr Roger Hutchinson (51) insisted his client strenuously denied the accusation.
Some 30 witnesses will be called to give evidence when the case goes to trial later this year, Belfast Magistrates' Court was told.
Mr Hutchinson, of Millar's Forge, Dundonald, on the outskirts of the city, was part of Dr Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionist Party in the Stormont Assembly.
But he left the party following allegations that he indecently assaulted a female employee during a meeting of Newtownabbey Borough Council, where he is a member, a year ago.
Although the DUP announced he had voluntarily withdrawn, Mr Hutchinson claimed he had been forced out.
The politician, who is married with two children, stood as an independent candidate in last November's Assembly elections, but failed to retain his seat.
His solicitor, Mr Denis Maloney, told the court there were 21 witnesses for the prosecution and six for the defence. He added: "The charge is to be totally contested and all Crown witnesses will be needed."
The case was adjourned for a pre-trial hearing on July 6th before being heard in full on July 20th.