Secrecy plea from Maxwell defence
FRIENDS and family of alleged ‘madam’ Ghislaine Maxwell have asked to remain anonymous if they testify in her defence.
Maxwell, who could face an 80year prison sentence if found guilty of six sex trafficking charges, will begin the ‘fight for her life’ in New York on Thursday when her lawyers launch her defence case.
The socialite stands accused of procuring women and underage girls for the billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. She vehemently denies the charges. The prosecution rested its case on Friday after calling Annie Farmer, who testified that she was fondled and abused by Maxwell when she was 14.
Christian Everdell, a lawyer representing Maxwell, asked the court to allow some defence witnesses to withhold their real names, as they had requested, saying: ‘People who testify might get a lot of unwanted attention, especially if they are testifying on behalf of Ms Maxwell’.
Judge Alison Nathan said she would consider the request.
During several bail hearings, Maxwell’s friends and relatives wrote anonymously to the court pleading for her to be granted bail and vouching for her good character.
A lawyer associated with the case said: ‘People’s lives have been destroyed by having their names linked to Ghislaine’s. She would support any move to protect those prepared to speak on her behalf. She is innocent and determined to prove it but is anxious no more lives and reputations are ruined.’
The defence is expected to last two or three days, which means the case could go to the jury before Christmas. Maxwell’s lawyers fear jurors might then rush to deliver a verdict before the holidays.
It has still not been decided if Maxwell will testify in her own defence. A source said: ‘Ghislaine is willing to take the stand. She is prepared to face the jury and fight for her life.’