A Santa has been barred from a US shopping centre after being charged with groping one of his female elves.

Herbert Jones was released on bail after pleading not guilty to indecent assault on the 18-year-old.

A judge ordered him to stay away from the Hanover Mall in Massachusetts and barred him from playing Santa anywhere pending the outcome of his case.

Police said the woman called them to report that 62-year-old Jones had pinched her buttocks and made suggestive comments. The two worked at a Santa photo booth.

Jones, who has a real bushy white beard, denied touching the woman to police and mall management.

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