A FORMER EastEnders actress has appeared in court over allegations she shouted “black lives don’t matter” and attacked women on Southend seafront.

Katie Jarvis faces charges of racially aggravated harassment, using threatening words or language and assault following a brawl on Marine Parade in Southend, outside the Papillon pub.

Jarvis, 29, played the character Hayley Slater in the BBC One soap Eastenders from 2018 to 2019.

She appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court today dressed in a black coat and wearing a face mask.

She spoke only to confirm her name and address.

The court heard that the alleged incidents took place on July 31 last year over the course of three hours.

Jarvis is alleged to have shouted at a group of four women sat outside Papillon before assaulting them.

Ashley Petchey, prosecuting, said Jarvis is alleged to have shouted “black lives don’t matter anyway” and “I’m a celebrity”.

It is further alleged that Jarvis shouted abuse at a man waiting for takeaway food at a venue on Pier hill in Southend later that evening, and that after being refused entry into another venue, she became aggressive and shouted threats to a member of staff.

Jarvis did not enter any pleas to the charges of assault, using threatening or abusive words or behaviour to cause distress and racially aggravated harassment.

Jarvis, of South Street, Rainham, elected to have a trial at crown court.

Tahmina Majid, representing Jarvis, told the court she intended to plead not guilty to the charges and that she was the victim, acting in “self-defence”.

District Judge Timothy King sent the case to Basildon Crown Court to be heard on May 13 this year.

Judge King told Jarvis: “You must attend Basildon Crown Court on May 13 and you are required to tell the court if you will plead guilty or not guilty.”

Jarvis was released on bail.