MP Nigel Evans tells sexual assault trial: ‘There is no fool like an old fool’
MP Nigel Evans has told a jury he made a pass at a young Westminster worker but did not sexually assault him.
The former Commons deputy speaker yesterday described the interaction between the pair before the alleged sexual assault.
Mr Evans told the court he thought the man in his 20s had been “incredibly flirtatious” and was interested in him.
Questioned by his barrister, Peter Wright QC, the 56-year-old MP said: “Sometimes we would hold hands. He was incredibly flirtatious. I got the impression he was interested in me.
“There is no fool like an old fool, Mr Wright.”
Preston Crown Court heard he got under a blanket and started to cuddle the alleged victim as he slept on a sofa at the MP’s home in Pendleton, Lancashire in 2009.
He said his hand drifted down the chest of the man and the man “exploded”.
Mr Evans said he was then made to feel like “a chastened child” when it became clear his advances were unwelcome.
The alleged victim claims Mr Evans put his hand down his boxer shorts.
The MP for Ribble Valley, in Lancashire, denies two counts of indecent assault, six of sexual assault and one of rape.
The trial continues.
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