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Crime Solicitors

Rape allegations were ‘ignored by Commons’ (8 November 2017)

Date: 08/11/2017
Duncan Lewis, Crime Solicitors, Rape allegations were ‘ignored by Commons’

A woman who reported a rape case to the Commons has accused Andrea Leadsom of ignoring her allegations and not taking concerns over the ‘toxic’ culture of Westminster seriously.

The victim, an ex-Tory activist who remains anonymous claims that she was raped by someone who worked for a Conservative MP. The rape did not take place in Parliament but in the victim’s home and was so violent that she states:

“…during the attack. I remember the room disappearing around me and thinking I was going to die.”

The following morning she went to the police and reported the incident. It was as she waited for a trial date that she decided to report the incident to Commons officials. She had a 25 minute conversation with House of Commons clerk David Natzler. The victim claims that she left the meeting under the impression that her concerns over the culture within Westminster would be passed on to the then chief whip, Gavin Williamson and Leader of the House, Andrea Leadsom and that a meeting with either would follow.

But the victim states:

"I never received contact from either of them. The parliamentary authorities never followed it up with me either. I heard nothing.”

The clerk allegedly did pass on the concerns but it was decided by Leadsom and the clerk that due to the ongoing investigation it would be inappropriate to take any further action. Williamson maintains that no such claims were presented to him.

The man accused, who was not an MP but worked for a Conservative MP, denies the rape allegations and the case was later dropped after a review of the evidence.

The clerk confirmed that the conversation with the victim took place but insists that the allegations were not the focus of their conversation because the incident did not occur on the Parliamentary Estate nor was the victim employed on the estate.

“There was no question of formally 'referring' the allegations to other House authorities as there was already a criminal case under way.” The clerk said.

The victim argues that her concerns were taken very seriously by the clerk and remains disappointed that her allegations were not taken seriously by the Commons.

Duncan Lewis Crime Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Crime Lawyers are recommended by Legal 500 2017 as a conscientious and professional team who can advise at any stage of a charge involving sexual offences, whether they are current or historical; including rape, attempted rape, conspiracy to rape, sexual assault, grooming, child sexual exploitation, historical charges involving child sexual abuse, revenge porn, prostitution – and making, downloading, or distributing indecent images.

Duncan Lewis has offices across England and Wales meaning a Duncan Lewis criminal defence solicitor can usually reach a police station for interview under caution within an hour. We can advise as soon as a police investigation begins, even prior to an arrest.

If you or anyone you know needs advice on any sexual offence contact Rubin Italia, ranked by Legal 500 2017, our sexual offences specialist on 07500013118 or email at rubini@duncanlewis.com. Alternatively call Duncan Lewis crime lawyers on 0333 772 0409.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Solicitors 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.


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