London, UK - US actor Kevin Spacey is a "sexual bully" who "delights in making others feel powerless and uncomfortable," a London court has heard.

The Hollywood star (63) was described by the prosecution as a "man who sexually assaults other men" as he stood trial at Southwark Crown Court on Friday.

Christine Agnew KC told the court: "Kevin Spacey Fowler is an actor; many of you will already know that."

"He is an extremely famous actor who has won a number of awards."

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"He is also, the prosecution allege, a man who sexually assaults other men."

"A man who does not respect personal boundaries or space, a man who it would seem delights in making others feel powerless and uncomfortable, a sexual bully."

Spacey denies 12 charges, including sexual assault and indecent assault.

Agnew said the jury will hear from four men during the trial, all aged in their 20s or 30s, who attracted the attention of Spacey.

She said: "None of the men wanted to be touched by Kevin Spacey Fowler in a sexual way, but he doesn’t seem to have cared very much for their feelings."

"He did what he wanted to do for his own personal sexual gratification."

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"What does the defendant say in answer to these allegations?"

"Well in relation to some he suggests that they are quite simply made up."

"In relation to others, he accepts that there was a sexual encounter between him and the other man but asserts that anything that took place would have taken place with the consent of the other man."

The prosecutor warned jurors not to be "star struck" by the actor – urging them to "keep yourself grounded and true to the oath that you have taken."

As she detailed allegations made by one of the complainants, Agnew said it "may well be" that Spacey got a "sexual thrill" from the aggression he is alleged to have used against the man.

The prosecutor said the defendant had engaged in "inappropriate and unwelcome" touching with the man, before it allegedly progressed to "occasions when Kevin Spacey Fowler would actually grab and grope" him.

The actor pleaded not guilty in January to three counts of indecent assault, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.

The two-time Academy Award winner also previously denied four further charges of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.