Kevin Spacey goes on trial in London on assault charges

Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey is due to appear in a London court on Wednesday for the start of his four-week trial on a dozen sex offence charges.

Spacey, 63, denies allegations of the offences, which are said to have taken place between 2001 and 2013.

The charges against him carry a maximum punishment of life imprisonment.

His trial at London's Southwark Crown Court is due to get underway on Wednesday with the selection of the jury, although the prosecution case may not formally begin until later this week or next week.

British prosecutors first revealed he faced charges in May 2022, saying he was accused of five assaults between March 2005 and April 2013 - four in London and one in Gloucestershire in the west of England. 

Spacey, once one of Hollywood's biggest stars, has largely disappeared from public view since being accused of sexual misconduct six years ago.