Salmond sexual assault case begins

Published by Alice Jaspars on March 10th 2020, 3:03pm

Alex Salmond has been accused of “pouncing” on a Scottish government official, in the first witness statement

Salmond faces charges of 14 instances of sexual assault against then women. He has lodged a special defence of an alibi to one charge, and the special defences of consent against four allegations.

The offences are said to have occurred at a number of locations in Scotland, including Bute House, the first minister’s official residence in Edinburgh.

The witness, referred to as Woman H, is the first witness in the case which is being heard at the High Court in Edinburgh.

Lady Dorrian is presiding over the case, and the jury comprises of 15 members of the public.

Woman H detailed the incidents of assault, and said she was left feeling "humiliated and embarrassed" by Salmond’s behaviour.

When detailing a previous occasion in which Salmond had assaulted her in 2014, Woman H was asked whether or not consent had been given.

She replied: "I didn't ask for any of it to happen. I wasn't asked."

Salmond was Scotland’s first minister for Scotland from 2007 to the end of 2014. During this time, he spearheaded an unsuccessful bid for Scottish Independence.

Lady Dorrian informed the jury that in spite of the fact Salmond is a "very well known public figure", their verdict must be based upon "the evidence and nothing else". She continued that politics is "irrelevant".

Salmond has pled not guilty to all charges and has promised to defend himself throughout the trial.

The trial continues.

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Authored By

Alice Jaspars
Culture Editor
March 10th 2020, 3:03pm

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