Tory MP Charlie Elphicke to stand trial over sexual assault of two women
A TORY MP was today charged with sexually assaulting two women and is set to stand trial later this year.
Brexiteer Charlie Elphicke has been charged with three counts of sexual assault, the Crown Prosecution Service said. He denies any wrongdoing and says the claims are "fabricated".
Two of the alleged assaults, against one woman, are said to have taken place in 2016. The other charge relates to a separate woman and dates back to 2007.
Elphicke was today suspended from the Tory party - meaning the majority of the new Prime Minister in the House of Commons, previously standing at four, is reduced further.
A spokesman for the CPS 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.”
He will appear at Westminster magistrates' court on September 6 for the first hearing in the case.
Elphicke's lawyer said today: "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."
The 48-year-old dad of two has been MP for Dover since 2010 and is a strong supporter of Boris Johnson's leadership campaign.
Elphicke was suspended from the Conservative party in 2017 after the sex offence allegations against him first came to light.
But he was allowed back in last December, ahead of the vote of confidence in Theresa May's leadership.
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