ALEX SALMOND appeared in court today charged with multiple counts of sexual assault and attempted rape.

The former First Minister of Scotland denied any “allegations of criminality” in a statement to the press outside the court in Edinburgh. He did not enter a plea in court.

After the hearing, which was held in private, Scotland’s Crown Office issued a list of the 14 charges it is pursuing against Mr Salmond.

He stands accused of nine counts of sexual assault, two counts of attempted rape, two of indecent assault and one breach of the peace.

After being released on bail, he told reporters: “Now that these proceedings are live it is even more important to respect the court and therefore the only thing I can say is I refute absolutely these allegations of criminality and I will defend myself to the utmost in court.

“I’ve got great faith in the court system in Scotland.

“You know me well enough to know that I’d love to say a great deal more but I’ve got to observe the rules of the court and in court is where I’ll state my case. And therefore, if you’ll forgive me, I’ll go back in to consult my legal team.”

Mr Salmond, who resigned from the SNP after the allegations surfaced last year, said he had “attended a police station in central Scotland” today, where he was “released on condition that I came to the court today to face the charges against me.”

Allegations of sexual misconduct against Mr Salmond came to light last autumn, when it emerged that two women had raised formal grievances with the Scottish government. Two weeks ago the Civil Service shelved its probe after Mr Salmond won a civil court case over the complaints procedure.

Outside the court today, some of Mr Salmond’s supporters shouted: “Freedom!” when he arrived for the hearing, while other members of the crowd cried: “Shame!”

Mr Salmond served as first minister from 2007 until 2014, when he stepped down after leading the unsuccessful Yes campaign in the Scottish independence referendum.

Speaking to journalists after First Minister’s Questions at Holyrood, his successor Nicola Sturgeon said the arrest had come as a “shock for many people.”

But Ms Sturgeon, who is now facing a parliamentary inquiry into five conversations she had with Mr Salmond about the allegations, said it would be inappropriate to comment further due to the ongoing court case.