Full Breakdown
Comedian Hardeep Singh Kohli to Stand Trial on Multiple Sexual-Offence Charges
6/26/2026, 8:56:43 PM
Core Event: Charges and Upcoming Trial
Former television presenter Hardeep Singh Kohli, 57, has been charged with a series of sexual offences spanning more than a decade. The High Court in Glasgow will hear the case after a trial date of 1 October 2025 was set by Lord Rennucci. The charges include five counts of rape, several counts of indecent assault, sexual assault, breach of the peace, indecent communication and other related offences. Kohli has entered a plea of not guilty to all counts.
Timeline of Legal Proceedings
- 2006 – 2022 – Alleged offences reported to have occurred at locations including BBC Studios (Pacific Quay, Glasgow), the Radisson Hotel (Glasgow), Yes Bar (Glasgow), and venues in Edinburgh, Dumfries & Galloway.
- September 10 2024 – Preliminary hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court; bail continued.
- October 1 2025 – Trial scheduled to commence at the High Court, Glasgow.
- November 2025 – Sheriff John McCormick set a five-day trial window (later adjusted by parties).
Data & Statistics
- Charges: Sources report either 20 charges involving five women (BBC, Western People) or six charges (Mirror).
- Rape counts: Five rape charges relate to a single alleged victim.
- Other offences: Indecent assault, sexual assault, breach of the peace, indecent communication and assault.
- Geographic spread: Alleged incidents occurred in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and a hotel in Dumfries & Galloway.
Official Statements & Responses
- Lord Rennucci (High Court) confirmed the trial date and allowed special defences of consent for several counts.
- Defense counsel Urfan Dar indicated the defence is prepared, estimating a four-to-five-day trial.
- Prosecutor Sean Docherty stated the Crown will call seven civilian witnesses and one police witness, estimating a four-day trial.
- Kohli denied all charges at his appearance before Sheriff John McCormick.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Number of charges: BBC and Western People cite 20 charges; Mirror cites six charges.
- Timeframe of alleged offences: BBC lists incidents from January 2006 to June 2021; Western People extends to 2022; Mirror references April 2007 to December 2016.
- Victim count: All sources agree on five alleged victims, but the exact distribution of charges per victim varies.
- No independent witness testimony or forensic evidence has been disclosed publicly.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The position is the defence is ready for trial. The length of the trial both parties consider four to five days as a suitable estimate.” — Urfan Dar, defence counsel
- “The Crown is prepared for trial and I estimate it to be four days.” — Sean Docherty, prosecutor
What’s Next
The case will proceed to trial on 1 October 2025, with both sides anticipating a four-to-five-day hearing. The court will address the special defences of consent and determine the admissibility of the Crown’s witness list. Outcomes will clarify the disputed charge counts and may set precedent for handling high-profile sexual-offence allegations in Scotland’s legal system.
