An allegation directed at Jeffrey Epstein is being investigated by police.
Police are investigating an allegation naming Andrew (Picture: AFP by way of Getty Pictures)
An skilled has stated what he believes police will do in relation to their investigation into Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, together with concerning allegations of sexual misconduct. Marcus Johnstone, Managing Director of PCD Solicitors, who specialises in legal defence for these accused of intercourse crimes, stated he had at all times anticipated that, as cops had been investigating Andrew for misconduct in public workplace, their probe could be wider and “used as the idea to additional scrutinise his relationship with Epstein and their actions collectively”.
He added: “This can be a unhappy day for the Royal Household however not a shock actually, primarily based on what all of us feared and the way we assumed this is able to play out.” Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public workplace, questioned beneath warning, after which launched beneath investigation in February. Andrew denies any wrongdoing.
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Yesterday, it was reported that detectives will take into account allegations of sexual misconduct of their inquiry.
Officers are at present assessing a declare by a girl that she was despatched by Epstein to Royal Lodge for intercourse with Andrew in 2010, earlier than being given a tour of Buckingham Palace.
Andrew has repeatedly and vehemently denied any wrongdoing referring to his friendship with Epstein and to any allegations of a sexual nature.
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor was arrested in February (Picture: Phil Noble/Reuters)
They’ve contacted the girl’s lawyer, Brad Edwards, who initially spoke to the BBC about allegations stated to have occurred when she was in her 20s.
Thames Valley Police stated: “We’ve got engaged with the girl’s authorized consultant to substantiate that, ought to she want to report this to police, will probably be taken critically and dealt with with care, sensitivity and respect for her privateness and her proper for anonymity.
“We recognise how troublesome it may be to discuss experiences of this nature, and any contact with police will likely be led by her needs, when and if she feels prepared and in a position to take action.”
Mr Johnstone shared perception into what he believes the police will look to do subsequent. He stated: “It’s telling that the police have confirmed they proceed to liaise with the DOJ but additionally that they’re interesting for victims to return ahead.
“It is because and not using a formal grievance and proof from a sufferer, will probably be very troublesome to show a case for alleged sexual offences. Though an investigation is now happening, we’re nonetheless a great distance away from a possible prosecution or proving offences in a courtroom of regulation.
Marcus Johnstone is a lawyer who specialises in defending individuals accused of intercourse crimes (Picture: Marcus Johnstone)
“Misconduct in public workplace could be very troublesome to show. Historic circumstances of sexual assault are additionally very arduous to show. The police will likely be investigating a spread of attainable legal offences together with individuals trafficking, prostitution and working a brothel.”
The skilled stated proving any purported legal motion would “require credible proof from any alleged victims, and proof that Andrew knowingly facilitated their exploitation after their arrival on the Lolita Categorical [a private Boeing 727 jet owned by Epstein] or in any other case”.
Mr Johnstone added: “Then there’s the query of proving lack of consent if sexual assault is alleged and whether or not the accused had an inexpensive perception any liaison was consensual.
“Clearly we all know Virginia Guiffre’s allegations and that she won’t be able to supply additional proof. The query is whether or not the Romanians and Russians stated to have arrived on the Lolita Categorical are ready to return ahead and are ready to help Thames Valley Police with their enquiries.”
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