WESTMINSTER (Labour Buzz) - Disgraced former MP Charlie MP has been jailed for two years for sexually assaulting women. The one time former MP for Dover, whose seat has since been taken by his now-estranged wife, has said he plans to appeal.
49 year old Elphicke had been found guilty of two charges of a series of similar incidents of groping women, once in 2007 and twice in 2016.
The former MP had angrily denied the allegations at the time, claiming that his own party had tipped off the press before informing him of the allegations. He insisted he was ‘completely confident’ of proving his innocence.
He claimed that the first time he had heard about the complaint was when he was interviewed under caution.
“Until that point, I had no idea whatsoever of the allegations which had led to my having the Conservative whip suspended in early November 2017, despite my repeated requests for clarification to both the chief whip and the police.”
In convicting Elphicke The judge was damning in his verdict, describing Elphicke as a ‘sexual predator’ who used his ‘success and respectability as a cover’. Mrs. Justice Whipple ruled his denials had forced his victims through the ordeal of giving evidence in court.
“They told the truth, and you told a pack of lies – not only to the jury but your wife, the whips and the police," she told him during the sentencing hearing.”
Elphicke immediately announced his intention to appeal the verdict. His wife Natalie, who ended the marriage when he was convicted in Julie, said she nevertheless believed he had not received a fair trial and would be supporting his appeal.
Elphicke’s case has also shone a light on the Conservative party’s handling of allegations. Elphicke was initially suspended after the allegations, but had the whip restored just in time to help Theresa May through a crucial vote of no confidence.
Another MP who is said to have been charged with rape has not been named. However, the party has refused to suspend him.
(Written by Tom Cropper, Edited by Klaudia Fior)