11/09/2013

Nigel Evans Quits Amid Sex Charges

Nigel Evans has resigned from his role as Deputy Commons Speaker after being charged with a number of offences, including sexual assault, indecent assault and rape.

The 55-year-old is accused of two counts of indecent assault, five counts of sexual assault and one rape count, in relation to seven men.

The Conservative MP has denied any wrongdoing and described the claims as "incredulous".

In a statement after being charged, Mr Evans said: "May I reassure everyone at this time that I will robustly defend my innocence.

"I have today answered bail following complaints I have said were incredulous.

"Whilst I am saddened that this case has not been closed today, I am certain of two things: firstly that I am innocent, and secondly that my innocence will be demonstrated.

"Having informed my fellow deputy Speakers Lindsay Hoyle and Dawn Primarolo, my association chairman and staff, I can confirm I will now resign as deputy speaker.

"However, I will continue to work hard for the people of Ribble Valley from the backbenches where I first started my political career in 1992."

On Tuesday, Evans answered bail, having been previously arrested in May and June. He was re-arrested yesterday and interviewed by detectives throughout the day before being charged.

The indecent assaults are alleged to have been committed between 1 January 2002 and 1 January 2004; the sexual assaults between 1 January 2009 and 1 April 2013, and the rape between 29 March 2013 and 1 April 2013.

(JP/CD)

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