Deputy speaker resigns following sex offence charges
House of Commons Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans resigns after the director of public prosecutions reveals he will be charged with a series of sex offences against seven men.
Keir Starmer said: “Following an investigation by Lancashire police, the Crown Prosecution Service has received a file of evidence in the case of Mr Nigel Evans MP which concerns allegations of a sexual nature.
“After careful consideration, we have concluded that there is sufficient evidence and that it is in the public interest to prosecute Mr Evans.
“Lancashire constabulary has therefore been authorised to charge two counts of indecent assault, five counts of sexual assault and one count of rape relating to a total of seven alleged victims.
“The decision in this case was taken by Joanne Cunliffe, an experienced specialist rape prosecutor, in consultation with John Dilworth, Head of the CPS North West Complex Casework Unit and in consultation with an external and highly experienced criminal QC.
“I have also been consulted on this case. The decision has been taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and the CPS legal guidance on rape and sexual offences.
“Mr Evans will appear before Preston Magistrates’ Court on 18 September 2013.”
The indecent assaults are alleged to have been committed between January 1 2002 and January 1 2004; the sexual assaults between January 1 2009 and April 1 2013, and the rape between March 29 2013 and April 1.
Mr Evans, from Pendleton in Lancashire, answered bail today having previously been arrested in May and June.
He was rearrested and interviewed by detectives throughout the day before being charged tonight.
