Sir Walter Gavin Gilbey, 68, was accused of attacking Lady Elizabeth Gilbey, 95.

The alleged incident took place at her £950,000 property near Pulborough in West Sussex on August 26 last year when he visited her.

Sir Walter, a descendant of the Gilbey’s founder lives in Dornoch in the Highlands.

He denied the charge when he appeared before Crawley magistrates yesterday, and will face trial next month at Horsham Magistrates Court.

Sir Walter is the 4th baronet whose seat is Elsenham Hall in Essex.

The title was created in 1893 for the original wine merchant and philanthropist.

He was chairman and co-founder of W&A Gilbey, established in 1857 – a wine merchants and distillers most famous for London dry gin.

The brand is now owned by industry giants Diageo.

Twice-divorced Sir Walter is known by his middle name Gavin and the Eton-educated businessman was a director of Giblet's International Inc between 1986 and 1992.

He succeeded as fourth Baronet on October 29, 1991.