BLIND TORY PEER ‘GRABBED MASSEUSE’S BUTTOCKS’
Court hears former Paralympic GB swimmer asked if woman did extras
A TORY peer and former British Paralympic champion grabbed a masseuse’s bottom at a five star hotel’s spa, a court heard.
Lord Christopher Holmes of Richmond MBE, 48, allegedly pointed to his crotch and asked if the woman did ‘extras’ on March 7 last year.
Holmes, who is visually impaired and a life peer in the House of Lords, is Britain’s most successful Paralympic swimmer, with a total of nine gold medal, five silvers and one bronze. Following his retirement he was elevated to the House of Lords in 2015.
Holmes – joined in the dock by his assistance dog, black Labrador, Nancy – yesterday denied a charge of sexual assault at London’s Southwark Crown Court.
Prosecutor Linda Strudwick told jurors Holmes had booked a one and a half hour spa massage at the central London hotel.
She said: “Towards the end of the massage, Lord Holmes grabbed her arm. He sat up.
“He asked how old she was then he asked her ‘can I see how you look?’
“She was unsure about what he meant but assumed that it meant could he touch her face.
“She allowed him to do this, but then feeling uncomfortable she began to move away.
“Mr Holmes stopped her by grabbing her buttocks. He said ‘nice’ and he asked if he could touch her boobs.
Crotch
“She said ‘no’. “He asked if she ‘ did extras’ and pointed towards his crotch.
“She said ‘No, I am a professional’.”
The shocked woman, finished the massage and wordlessly handed him over a robe, the court heard.
She went straight to her manager and also told her work agency, jurors heard.
Holmes had been given disposable underwear to wear during the massage.
Ms Strudwick said: “This underwear appears to have become broken, we have no idea whether that was intentional or accidental, but it is right to say that these garments not the sturdiest of underpants.
“Mr Holmes asked if he could take them off and she said he could, provided he ensured that the towel remained covering him.”
In a statement to the police, Holmes said that there was absolutely no intention to touch the woman in a sexual way.
He added: “At no time did I touch her breasts or genital area.
“I am certain that I did not ask the therapist for ‘extras’ and I am adamant I did not point to my groin at any time.
Holmes, of Richmond, Surrey, denies one count of sexual assault.
The case continues.