The trial of Tory MP Nigel Evans has commenced in Preston Crown Court, with prosecutor Mark Heywood QC describing a string of sexual assaults allegedly committed by Evans over the last 10 years. In all, seven men are accusing Evans of forcing himself on them, with one man saying Evans raped him in 2013.
Prosecutor Heywood told the court, "'The prosecution case against Mr Evans is that he, often when in drink, pressed his sexual attentions on those younger men, using or trading on his position of influence."
When young one of the men complained to senior Tory officials in 2010 that he had been sexually assaulted by Evans, those officials decided not to discipline Evans because they needed him for an upcoming election. Prosecutor Heywood said Evans behavior worsened over time, "It has also escalated in seriousness, no doubt because he believed that his position made it less than likely that someone would complain." Evans targets also tended to be young men whose careers would be seriously jeopardized if somebody of his influence decided to obstruct their advancement.
Nigel Evans has always maintained his innocence and says any sexual encounters which did occur were consensual. His trial continues.
