Before the hearing at Southwark Crown Court he told reporters: "I'm totally innocent of these charges and I want to thank the public because everywhere I go I have had nothing but support which has made a huge difference."

He added: "It is not the nicest of situations but you have to face up to it."

The charges span from 1965 to 1985 and relate to teenage girls aged between 14-19 at the time of the alleged offences.

He is Britain's best known publicist and has had a long successful career in the media dealing with many high profile stories and clients.

Clifford was arrested at his home in Surrey last December.

He has previously described the police investigation as a "nightmare" for himself and his family.