wales/Barrybarry/”>Barry George, the man famously convicted and then cleared of murdering TV presenter Jill Dando, has now been charged with rape.
Historic Allegations Surface
The 65-year-old, living in County Cork, stands accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in west London. The assaults reportedly took place twice between September 6 and 12, 1987.
George faces one charge of rape and two charges of indecent assault. The alleged victim, now in her 50s, cannot be named for legal reasons.
Next Court Date and Official Statements
George is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on October 29.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy of the Metropolitan Police said: “These charges follow an investigation by a team of Met detectives. Specially trained officers continue to support the woman who has come forward.”
Lionel Idan, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London South, added: “After thoroughly reviewing the evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service has decided to prosecute Barry George on charges of rape and two counts of indecent assault relating to non-recent allegations from 1987 against a teenage girl.”
He warned: “Proceedings are active, and George has the right to a fair trial. It’s vital that there is no reporting or online sharing that could prejudice these proceedings.”
Jill Dando Murder Recap
Jill Dando was one of the BBC’s biggest stars when she was gunned down outside her Fulham home in broad daylight at just 37 years old.
George was convicted of her murder in 2001, based largely on gunshot residue found on his coat Pocketpocket, believed to match the murder weapon.
However, that evidence was later discredited, and after spending eight years in prison, George was acquitted at retrial. Since then, no one else has been convicted of Jill’s murder. www.uknip.co.uk/where/united-kingdom/england/london
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