A former aide to George Osborne has appeared in court after being accused of causing trouble in a bar.

Mario Thomas Pisani, of Aliwal Road, Battersea, denied the allegation at Lavender Hill Magistrates Court this morning.

The 34-year-old, who is a press officer at the Treasury, was arrested at Adventure Bar, in Battersea Rise, on November 10.

He is charged with behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress following an altercation at a bar.

Mr Pisani was dressed in a grey suit with his hair gelled back.

He spoke only to confirm his name and plead not guilty.

Mr Pisani is a senior civil servant and used to be a speechwriter for Chancellor George Osborne.

He was granted unconditional bail, with a two day trial expected to take place in Wimbledon Magistrates Court on January 8 next year.

A 28-year-old unnamed woman was cautioned for assault on police in the same incident, after the pair were taken to a south London police station.