Jill Dando murder acquittal figure faces new sexual assault allegations

689     0
Jill Dando murder acquittal figure faces new sexual assault allegations
Jill Dando murder acquittal figure faces new sexual assault allegations

The 65-year-old from County Cork is said to have sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl in west London on two occasions between September 6 and 12 in 1987.

George faces one charge of rape and two of indecent assault.

The alleged victim, who is now in her 50s, cannot be named for legal reasons.

He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on October 29.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, from the Metropolitan Police Service, said: ‘These charges follow an investigation by a team of Met detectives.

‘Specially trained officers continue to support the woman who has come forward.’

Lionel Idan, chief Crown prosecutor for CPS London South, said: ‘Having carefully reviewed a file of evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service has taken the decision to prosecute Barry George, 65, on charges of rape and two counts of indecent assault.

‘These relate to non-recent allegations that took place in 1987 against a woman who was a teenager at the time.’

Mr Idan added: ‘We remind all concerned that proceedings against the suspect are active and he has a right to a fair trial.

‘We recognize there is likely to be considerable interest in this case, however it is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary, or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.’

Embargoed to 0001 Tuesday September 5 Undated BBC file photo of television presenter Jill Dando. One of the jurors in her murder trial has spoken out for the first time about her doubts over the conviction of loner Barry George, saying she felt  dqxikeidqkikdinv

Former Crimewatch presenter Ms. Dando was one of the BBC’s highest-profile stars when she was shot dead on the doorstep of her Fulham home in broad daylight, aged just 37.

George was convicted of Jill’s murder two years later in 2001.

A speck of gunshot residue in his coat pocket was claimed to be a match for the weapon used and this convinced a jury he was guilty.

The evidence was thrown out at a retrial and George, who lived 500 yards from Jill’s home, was acquitted of murder after eight years in prison.

No one has been convicted of her killing since.

Editorial Team

Sophia Martinez

World Affairs Correspondent

Rape, Metropolitan Police, Sexual assault, Barry George

Read more similar news:

01.02.2023, 18:03 • Crime
NFL player accused of rape and kidnapping days before Super Bowl
02.02.2023, 16:07 • Crime
Heroic bystanders chase off attacker who dragged teen through alley to rape her
03.02.2023, 12:43 • Sport
Erik ten Hag responds after Man Utd striker Mason Greenwood has charges dropped
03.02.2023, 16:13 • News
Paedo who tortured and starved children with partner found dead in prison cell
03.02.2023, 17:01 • Politics
Opponents hit out as rape tweet row Tory escapes punishment despite comments
03.02.2023, 22:46 • Crime
Mum kept quiet while being raped by home intruder so 'she wouldn't wake kids up'
04.02.2023, 17:58 • Crime
Vile scammers cash in dog owners by threatening to 'kill and rape' missing pets
04.02.2023, 20:17 • Crime
Mum of teen who lied about being raped by Asian gang has not repaid £22k donated
04.02.2023, 21:00 • Crime
Rapist cop David Carrick's victim says he set snakes on her in sick punishment
04.02.2023, 21:16 • Crime
'Serial rapist cop David Carrick must pay for the pain his victims suffered'