Maxwell hits out at rats in cell and ‘creepy guards’
ACCUSED child sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell has told how nightmare conditions in jail have stopped her even taking showers because “creepy guards” stand and stare at her.
On the eve of her trial in New York tomorrow, the former British socialite, 59, said things are so bad in Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center that a rat would sit beside an open sewer as she went to the toilet in her cell.
In an interview with a British newspaper published today, Prince Andrew’s one-time friend declared: “I used to go to the loo with an open sewer drain and a friendly rat would regularly visit.
“I told the guards but nothing was done until the rat popped out and charged a guard, who screamed in terror. Finally, the drain was covered.”
Maxwell claims the “barbaric” conditions on remand have made her hair fall out as well as causing weight loss, impaired vision and inability to concentrate.
She is facing six charges, including sex trafficking of children, enticement of minors and perjury. If convicted, she could face up to 80 years behind bars.
Federal prosecutors claim that between 1994 and 2004 she “assisted, facilitated and contributed to” her late boss – and Prince Andrew’s friend – businessman Jeffrey Epstein abusing children as young as 14. She has denied all charges.
Maxwell has also managed to assemble a notable team of lawyers, including “super attorney” Bobbi Sternheim, who has defended terrorists including Minh Quang Pham, who was jailed for plotting to blow up Heathrow airport in 2016.
The daughter of late newspaper tycoon Robert Maxwell, who plundered a fortune from his company’s pension fund, has revealed in court papers that she has set aside $7million – about £5.2million – to cover legal costs.
Jury selection in the case begins tomorrow, with opening statements scheduled for November 29.