A TV producer, Charlie Hanson, 73, has been accused of raping a woman in London in May 2008. Hanson, who has worked on Ricky Gervais's television shows such as "After Life" and "Extras," appeared at Isleworth Crown Court and denied the charges.
The allegations surfaced five years after a letter detailing the woman's claims was sent to Netflix and Bafta. The production company Netflix was filming the third series of "After Life" at the time.
Hanson, who hails from Stepney Green in east London, has pleaded not guilty to raping the complainant on or about May 15, 2008. His trial has been scheduled to begin on February 7, 2028.
Judge Martin Edmunds, KC, apologized for the delay in the trial, citing the number of cases pending and individuals in custody. Prosecutor Christopher Hewitson indicated that the case does not involve forensic evidence but relies on "a variety of text messages."
Before his work on Gervais's projects, Hanson produced other TV sitcoms, including "Desmonds" and "Birds of a Feather."