Evans assault claims a ‘Machiavellian’ plot

Lancashire MP Nigel Evans told police a former Westminster worker who accused him of a sexual assault was “Machiavellian” and at the “centre of the web” of a plot against him.
Former deputy speaker of the House of Commons Nigel Evans arrives at Preston Crown CourtFormer deputy speaker of the House of Commons Nigel Evans arrives at Preston Crown Court
Former deputy speaker of the House of Commons Nigel Evans arrives at Preston Crown Court

The Ribble Valley MP suggested his alleged victim had “choreographed events” as he was the common link between four other complainants in the case.

Evans denies any wrongdoing and claims a “conspiracy” is at work involving an “old pals act”.

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He is accused of sexually assaulting seven men and his trial at Preston Crown Court heard his replies to questions by detectives after he was arrested in May last year.

Former deputy speaker of the House of Commons Nigel Evans arrives at Preston Crown CourtFormer deputy speaker of the House of Commons Nigel Evans arrives at Preston Crown Court
Former deputy speaker of the House of Commons Nigel Evans arrives at Preston Crown Court

Evans, 56, told officers the allegation of rape by one man had been made because of the “incredibly close” relationship between him and the bi-sexual co-accuser whom he described as “Machiavellian and manipulative”.

The MP added: “Incredibly mischievous. Incredible. They must have talked about this stuff.”

The rape complainant, then aged 22, alleges Evans assaulted him after a dinner party at the MP’s home in the village of Pendleton, near Clitheroe, in March last year.

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But Evans described the complainant as a “strapping lad” who was a “willing participant” as the sex was consensual.

The officer questioned the politician as to why the complainant left Evans’ home the next morning without telling him.

“Buyers regret,” the MP said. “He was sorry we had sex. I accept that.”

The officer asked Evans if he had drunk so much alcohol at the dinner party that his judgement on whether the complainant consented was affected. “Certainly not,” the MP replied.

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Evans is alleged to have sexually assaulted seven young men on various dates between 2002 and last year by using his “powerful” political influence to take advantage of them, often while drunk.

He denies one rape, two indecent assaults and six sexual assaults.

None of the alleged complainants can be identified for legal reasons.

(Proceeding)