A drag artist who is a regular on the Brighton cabaret scene is to appear in court accused of helping a child abuser to find a victim.

Richard Clothier is due to appear at Southwark Crown Court on May 31 charged with facilitating the commission of a child sex offence.

The 37-year-old is better known as Lady James and has been part of the drag scene for many years.

Under his stage name, Clothier hosted the cabaret tent at Brighton Pride between 2009 and 2011.

He also was part of the Brighton Alternative Pantomime and regularly appeared in the annual fundraiser at the Queen’s Arms pub in George Street, Brighton, in aid of the Martlets Hospice.

According to his biography, Clothier has more than “12 years of cabaret experience already under her belt, working across the country, parts of Europe and Australia and is well versed in performing at gay venues, hen/ladies nights, nightclubs and private functions”.

It said: “Lady James has a unique versatility that can cater for any audience.

“Her strong vocal talents enable her to encompass a range of musical material, spanning from easy listening classics to showstoppers as well as up-to-theminute pop tunes.

“Lady James is an instant hit herself, with her stunning appearance and laid-back performance style, she both relaxes and involves the audience with her light banter and witty repartee.”

He had previously spent five years as the leading hostess and singer at Rubyz Cabaret Restaurant in Bournemouth.

Along with Dame Connie Conway, Lady James formed a double act called All Mouth and No Trousers.

The duo were due to appear in February at the Oriental Village in Boundary Road, Hove, but the gig was cancelled.

Clothier, of Windlesham Road, Brighton, was remanded in custody until the plea and case management hearing at Southwark Crown Court.