This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/jul/22/tory-mp-charlie-elphicke-charged-with-sexual-assault

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Tory MP Charlie Elphicke charged with sexual assault Tory MP Charlie Elphicke charged with sexual assault
(about 1 hour later)
The Conservative MP Charlie Elphicke has been charged with three counts of sexual assault relating to two women, prosecutors have said.The Conservative MP Charlie Elphicke has been charged with three counts of sexual assault relating to two women, prosecutors have said.
The MP for Dover and Deal is alleged to have committed the first offence in 2007 against one complainant and two further offences against a second complaint in 2016, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.The MP for Dover and Deal is alleged to have committed the first offence in 2007 against one complainant and two further offences against a second complaint in 2016, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.
He will appear at Westminster magistrates court on 6 September.He will appear at Westminster magistrates court on 6 September.
Elphicke, 49, was suspended from the Conservative party in November 2017 after allegations made against him were referred to the police.Elphicke, 49, was suspended from the Conservative party in November 2017 after allegations made against him were referred to the police.
But on 12 December last year, the MP had the Conservative whip reinstated ahead of a confidence vote in Theresa May. But on 12 December last year, the MP had the Conservative whip reinstated before a confidence vote in Theresa May.
A CPS spokesperson said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has today charged Charles Elphicke, MP for Dover, with three charges of sexual assault against two women. The CPS made the decision to charge Mr Elphicke after reviewing a file of evidence from the Metropolitan police.A CPS spokesperson said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has today charged Charles Elphicke, MP for Dover, with three charges of sexual assault against two women. The CPS made the decision to charge Mr Elphicke after reviewing a file of evidence from the Metropolitan police.
“The CPS reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against Mr Elphicke are now active and that he has a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”“The CPS reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against Mr Elphicke are now active and that he has a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Elphicke, a former tax lawyer, has represented the Kent coast seat since 2010 and was a government whip under the former prime minister David Cameron between 2015-16.
His solicitor, Ellen Peart, a partner at BCL Solicitors, said: “Charlie Elphicke has said from the outset that he denies any wrongdoing. He will defend himself vigorously and is confident that he will clear his name.
“Meanwhile, Charlie would like to thank everyone for their continued support of him and his family. There will be no further comment at this stage.”
UK newsUK news
newsnews
Share on FacebookShare on Facebook
Share on TwitterShare on Twitter
Share via EmailShare via Email
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn
Share on PinterestShare on Pinterest
Share on WhatsAppShare on WhatsApp
Share on MessengerShare on Messenger
Reuse this contentReuse this content