Tyne Dock man pleads not guilty to sex attack charge after allegedly drugging reported victim

The case was heard at South Tyneside Magistrates Court

The Tyne Dock man is alleged to have administering inhibitor drug GHB in a drink of orange juice.

A South Tyneside man accused of committing a sex attack at his home after allegedly drugging his claimed victim has appeared in court.

Jonpaul Elassar, 37, is alleged to have sexually assaulted a man at his address in Stanhope Road, Tyne Dock, on Sunday, February 25.

He is alleged to have done so after administering inhibitor drug GHB in a drink of orange juice – and is also accused of sharing an intimate photo of the same man without consent.

At South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, he pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual assault and administering a substance with intent to stupefy or overpower to allow sexual activity.

Elassar also denied an allegation of sharing a photograph or film in an intimate state to cause alarm, distress or humiliation.

District Judge Zoe Passfield remanded Elassar into custody to appear next at Newcastle Crown Court on Monday, April 22.