Willy Wonka experience creator faces rape charge

Image source, Stuart Sinclair

Image caption, The Willy's Chocolate Experience event organised by William Coull was criticised by customers

The man behind the infamous Wonka experience in Glasgow has appeared in court accused of rape.

William Coull, 36, also faced a separate allegation of sexual assault when he appeared from custody at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

Mr Coull, of Knightswood, made no plea to both charges during a private hearing.

He was granted bail by Sheriff Gerard Bonnar and committed for further examination. No date for a future court appearance was set.

Mr Coull made news across the world in February after photos of his bizarre and lacklustre Wonka event, costing 拢35 ticket, went viral on social media.

"Willy's Chocolate Experience" had been advertised by Mr Coull with fantasy images of sweetie-themed worlds - inspired by the Roald Dahl character and the Wonka films.

Instead, visitors were confronted with an 鈥渁bandoned and empty warehouse鈥 filled with drab props, with actors reading from an AI-generated script.

Mr Coull, who ran the event through his House of Illuminati firm, was accused of 鈥渟camming children鈥 by parents outside the event.

He later promised all those who bought tickets would be issued refunds.