Jockey Timmy Murphy has appeared in court on a charge of indecent assault.

Murphy was released on bail on Friday by magistrates sitting in Uxbridge and is due to appear before them again on 2 May.

The 27-year-old was arrested on Sunday morning at Heathrow Airport after arriving on a flight from Japan.

During the Virgin Atlantic flight, Murphy allegedly attacked an air stewardess.

Murphy's agent Chris Broad said on Wednesday that the Irish jockey was taking a short break from riding.

"Timmy Murphy has a personal issue to address and therefore he is taking time off from riding to get the problem sorted out and he will be back shortly."

Murphy had been in Japan to ride Cenkos, who came third in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham, in the Nakayama Grand Jump.

The horse was the highest British finisher in the race, which is the world's richest steeplechase, coming fifth.

Murphy is enjoying his best season, and currently lies fifth in the jockeys' championship with 98 winners.