A POWYS politician has spoken out over headlines that have seen his name dragged into the sex sleaze row engulfing the Liberal Democrats.

Welsh Assembly Member William Powell, who is also a Powys County Councillor for Talgarth, admitted to a 'difficult few days' since a newspaper revealed a complaint to the Liberal Democrats alleged he had behaved inappropriately towards an 18-year-old party activist.

The now 21-year-old woman claimed the Mid and West Wales AM had given her and two other women the strong alcoholic spirit absinthe, touched her leg and put his hands around their waists.

Married father of two, Mr Powell, who is 48, has apologised for 'any hurt or offence caused' and has been given a formal written warning by the party.

The Lib Dems said the woman hadn't wanted to make a formal complaint but had brought it to the party's attention in May last year. It centres on a thank you party for Lib Dem activists in Aberystwyth following the 2011 Welsh Assembly elections.

Mr Powell told The Brecon & Radnor Express: "It's been a difficult few days and I'm immensely touched by the support I have received."

The allegations have attracted national media attention amid on going rows over the party's handling of allegations of sexual harassment against party peer Lord Rennard and the suspension of MP Mike Hancock accused of sexual misconduct towards a female constituent.

Lord Rennard, who denies the allegations against him, has refused to apologise.

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