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MP Nigel Evans appears in court over sex offence charges MP Nigel Evans appears in court over sex offence charges
(about 1 hour later)
MP Nigel Evans made his first appearance in court on Wednesday accused of committing sex offences against seven men. MP Nigel Evans has made his first appearance in court accused of committing sex offences against seven men.
Evans, 55, is accused of two counts of indecent assault, five of sexual assault and one of rape.Evans, 55, is accused of two counts of indecent assault, five of sexual assault and one of rape.
Sitting at Preston magistrates court, district judge Jane Goodwin adjourned the case until 4 October, when the former deputy speaker will appear for a preliminary hearing at Preston crown court.Sitting at Preston magistrates court, district judge Jane Goodwin adjourned the case until 4 October, when the former deputy speaker will appear for a preliminary hearing at Preston crown court.
In a hearing that lasted less than 10 minutes, Evans walked into the dock and confirmed his full name – Nigel Martin Evans – his address and date of birth.In a hearing that lasted less than 10 minutes, Evans walked into the dock and confirmed his full name – Nigel Martin Evans – his address and date of birth.
The charges, dating from 2002 to this year, were read out by the clerk. Evans confirmed he understood the charges.The charges, dating from 2002 to this year, were read out by the clerk. Evans confirmed he understood the charges.
He was later granted bail on condition he does not approach directly or indirectly named witnesses.He was later granted bail on condition he does not approach directly or indirectly named witnesses.
Wearing a black suit and patterned tie, the MP posed for photographers as he left the building.Wearing a black suit and patterned tie, the MP posed for photographers as he left the building.
When asked if he wished to comment on the case, he replied: "I'm going back to Westminster to work now, thank you."When asked if he wished to comment on the case, he replied: "I'm going back to Westminster to work now, thank you."
Evans stepped down as deputy speaker of the House of Commons after he was charged, but continues to sit as an independent MP for Ribble Valley.Evans stepped down as deputy speaker of the House of Commons after he was charged, but continues to sit as an independent MP for Ribble Valley.
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