The alleged attacks are said to have taken place nearly 40 years ago
A man who was convicted then cleared of murdering BBC presenter Jill Dando has been charged as part of a historic rape investigation in West London. Barry George, of County Cork, Ireland, is accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl on two occasions in September 1987.
The 65-year-old would have been in his late twenties when the alleged attacks took place. He faces one charge of rape and two of indecent assault, and will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on October 29.
The alleged victim, who is now in her 50s, continues to be supported by the Metropolitan Police. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy said: “These charges follow an investigation by a team of Met detectives. Specially trained officers continue to support the woman who has come forward.”
George was found guilty of Jill’s murder in 2001, two years after she was shot in the head on the doorstep of her Fulham home, aged just 37. He was unanimously acquitted in 2008 following a retrial.
Experts raised concerns about the legal significance of a single particle of gunshot residue that was found in his overcoat pocket. He has always denied any involvement in Dando’s murder and has called for the investigation to be reopened.
In regards to the historic rape allegations, Lionel Idan, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London South, said: “We remind all concerned that proceedings against the suspect are active and he has a right to a fair trial.
“We recognise there is likely to be considerable interest in this case, however it is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in anyway prejudice these proceedings.”
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