The former Newcastle United centre-back is alleged to have indecently touched two women in separate incidents on September 28 last year in a Yarm nightclub.

The 30-year-old denied all four charges that were put before him at the plea and directions hearing.

The first count involved him allegedly indecently touching a victim; the second accused Bramble of touching another victim's leg with his hand and moving it towards her groin.

The latter two counts accused the ex-Wigan Athletic man of placing the second victim's hand on his crotch involuntarily and without consent.

The case was adjourned to May 28 and the trial could last up to a week with the Black Cats defender being granted unconditional bail by Judge Peter Fox.

This is not the first time Bramble has faced such charges. In September 2010, he was released without charge after being arrested on suspicion of rape, but his brother Tesfaye Bramble was convicted and given a four-and-a-half-year sentence.

The defender was suspended immediately following the arrest by previous Sunderland manager Steve Bruce, but current boss Martin O'Neill reinstated the Ipswich-born player not long after his arrival at the Stadium of Light.

However, an Achilles injury has kept the former England Under-21 international from featuring for the Wearside club since December 26.