Max Clifford charged with sexual assault: tabloids weigh-in on PR fixer’s ‘nightmare’
MAX Clifford has been charged with 11 “sex attacks”. The tabloids, which once pumped out Clifford’s PR-laced guff now get to write about the man.
Alison Saunders, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London, says:
“We have carefully considered the evidence gathered as part of Operation Yewtree in relation to Max Clifford, who was initially arrested on 6 December 2012 over allegations of sexual offences. Having completed our review, we have concluded that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest for Mr Clifford to be charged with 11 offences of indecent assault relating to seven complainants.”
“Mr Clifford will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 28 May 2013. We have also decided that there is insufficient evidence to authorise charges in relation to three separate allegations. These decisions were taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and our guidance for prosecutors on sexual offences.
“May I remind all concerned that Mr Clifford has a right to a fair trial. It is very important that nothing is said, or reported, which could prejudice that trial. For these reasons it would be inappropriate for me to comment further.”
Max Clifford says:
“The allegations in respect of which I have been charged are completely false and I have made this clear to the police during many, many hours of interviews. Nevertheless a decision has been taken to charge me with 11 offences involving seven women, the most recent of which is 28 years ago and the oldest 47 years ago. I have never indecently assaulted anyone in my life and this will become clear during the course of the proceedings.
“I am naturally disappointed about today’s decision, particularly because of the distress it has caused my wife, Jo, my daughter, Louise, and all those close to me. However, at least I will now be in a position to fully consider all the evidence against me and to answer the evidence in public and ultimately clear my name in a court of law.
“Since last December I have been living a 24/7 nightmare. A black cloud has been placed over me, obliterating the bright blue skies that I have been fortunate to live my life under for the vast majority of the past 70 years. Fortunately I have and continue to receive wonderful support and understanding from those who knew me, those who know me, as well as people I meet everywhere I go. This has made this nightmare so much easier to cope with and I am extremely grateful for this as you can imagine.”
The charges are:
The charges Mr Clifford is facing in full are as follows:
• One offence of indecent assault relating to a girl, aged 14, in 1966
• One offence of indecent assault relating to a woman, aged 18, in 1974/75
• Three offences of indecent assault relating to a girl, aged 15, in 1977/78
• One offence of indecent assault relating to a woman, aged 19, in 1978
• Two offences of indecent assault relating to a girl, aged 16 or 17, in 1981/82
• One offence of indecent assault relating to a woman, aged 19, in 1980/81
• Two offences of indecent assault relating to a woman, aged 18, in 1984/85
Such are the facts.
Posted: 27th, April 2013 | In: Celebrities Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
