Andrew facing trial over ‘rape’ claim next autumn
Civil case may start in US just after jubilee celebrations
‘Eight-minute court hearing’
PRINCE Andrew was told yesterday to prepare for a civil trial next autumn where he will defend himself against sexual abuse claims.
A judge in New York told the Duke of York and his accuser, Virginia Roberts, that he expected the case to be heard before a jury between September and December – just after the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Andrew is being sued by Miss Roberts for unspecified damages. She alleges he raped her more than 20 years ago when she was 17 and under the influence of paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
It was also confirmed for the first time in court yesterday that the duke, who is ninth in line to the throne and has vehemently denied the claims, is expected to give his side of events in a full and frank official statement. Attorneys for Miss Roberts, who is bringing the case under her married name of Giuffre, will request for him to give a deposition – testimony under oath – and could do so ‘relatively promptly’, the court was told.
Andrew is likely to make any statement in the presence of his London legal team, rather than travel to the US to make it.
Yesterday’s brief hearing yesterday – just eight minutes long – set out how proceedings will move forward over the coming weeks.
David Boies, representing Andrew’s alleged victim, told Judge Lewis Kaplan that he expected to take eight to 12 depositions in all.
‘Certainly, obviously, the parties,’ said Mr Boies, referring to his client and the Duke of York.
Two of those who Miss Roberts’ legal team wish to speak to reside in the UK. They were not named in court but in a recent interview, Sigrid McCawley, another lawyer for Miss Roberts, suggested one could be Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. Interest has also been expressed in talking to his daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie.
Without naming who he was talking about, Mr Boies said: ‘We may be able to get them to appear voluntarily. We ought to know that within the next two to three weeks.’
Prince Andrew’s Hollywoodbased lawyer Andrew Brettler said he anticipated needing the same ‘ballpark number’ of statements.
The hearing did not address Andrew’s recent challenges to Miss Roberts’ claims, particularly his petition to have the case struck out. In documents filed last week, his defence team unveiled a blistering counterattack against the lawsuit. They said: ‘For over a decade, Giuffre has profited from her allegations against Epstein and others by selling stories and photographs to the press and entering into secret agreements to resolve her claims against her alleged abusers, including Epstein and his ex-girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell.
‘Most people could only dream of obtaining the sums of money that Giuffre has secured for herself over the years. This presents a compelling motive for Giuffre to continue filing frivolous lawsuits against individuals such as Prince Andrew, whose sullied reputation is only the latest collateral damage of the Epstein scandal.
‘Accusing a member of the world’s best-known royal family of serious misconduct has helped Giuffre create a media frenzy online and in the traditional press. It is unfortunate, but undeniable, that sensationalism and innuendo have prevailed over the truth.’
Another hearing will be held on December 13.