Cleared Jill Dando suspect Barry George charged with rape

Barry George – the man convicted and then cleared of murdering TV’s Jill Dando – has been charged with rape.

The 65-year-old, of County Cork, is said to have sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl in west London on two occasions between September 6 and 12 in 1987.

George faces once charge of rape and two of indecent assault.

The alleged victim, who is now in her 50s, cannot be named for legal reasons.

He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on October 29.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, from the Metropolitan Police Service, said: ‘These charges follow an investigation by a team of Met detectives.

‘Specially trained officers continue to support the woman who has come forward.’

Lionel Idan, chief Crown prosecutor for CPS London South, said: ‘Having carefully reviewed a file of evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service has taken the decision to prosecute Barry George, 65, on charges of rape and two counts of indecent assault.

‘These relate to non-recent allegations that took place in 1987 against a woman who was a teenager at the time.’

Mr Idan added: ‘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.’

Former Crimewatch presenter Ms Dando was one of the BBC’s highest-profile stars when she was shot dead on the doorstep of her Fulham home in broad daylight, aged just 37.

George was convicted of Jill’s murder two years later in 2001.

A speck of gunshot residue in his coat pocket was claimed to be a match for the weapon used and this convinced a jury he was guilty.

The evidence was thrown out at a retrial and George, who lived 500 yards from Jill’s home, was acquitted of murder after eight years in prison.

No-one has been convicted of her killing since.

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