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Trial of former deputy speaker Nigel Evans begins in Preston Trial of former deputy speaker Nigel Evans begins in Preston
(about 1 hour later)
The Speaker of the House of Commons is to give evidence in the trial of MP Nigel Evans, who is accused of various sexual offences.The Speaker of the House of Commons is to give evidence in the trial of MP Nigel Evans, who is accused of various sexual offences.
John Bercow is listed among prosecution witnesses in the case against the former deputy speaker.John Bercow is listed among prosecution witnesses in the case against the former deputy speaker.
Evans, 56, faces nine charges in all, dating from 2002 to 1 April last year. He denies two counts of indecent assault, six of sexual assault and one of rape.Evans, 56, faces nine charges in all, dating from 2002 to 1 April last year. He denies two counts of indecent assault, six of sexual assault and one of rape.
Before the jury of seven men and five women was sworn in at Preston crown court, potential jurors were asked if they had any personal acquaintance with any prosecution witnesses – some of whom are public figures – or Evans. Before the jury was sworn in at Preston crown court, potential jurors were asked if they had any personal acquaintance with any prosecution witnesses – some of whom are public figures – or with Evans.
Bercow was among the names read out by prosecutor Mark Heywood QC, along with fellow MPs Sarah Wollaston, Michael Fabricant, Patrick McLoughlin, Alexander John Randall, Conor Burns and Tom Blenkinsopp. Bercow was among the names read out by prosecutor Mark Heywood QC, along with fellow MPs Sarah Wollaston, Michael Fabricant, Patrick McLoughlin, Sir John Randall, Conor Burns and Tom Blenkinsop.
Former MPs Lembit Öpik and Adam Pryce are also listed as witnesses for the crown.Former MPs Lembit Öpik and Adam Pryce are also listed as witnesses for the crown.
Potential jurors were also asked if they had ever lived in Evans's Ribble Valley constituency.Potential jurors were also asked if they had ever lived in Evans's Ribble Valley constituency.
The indecent assaults are alleged to have been committed between 1 January 2002 and 1 January 2004; the sexual assaults – said to be touching without consent – between 1 January 2009 and 1 April last year; and the rape between 29 March and 1 April last year.The indecent assaults are alleged to have been committed between 1 January 2002 and 1 January 2004; the sexual assaults – said to be touching without consent – between 1 January 2009 and 1 April last year; and the rape between 29 March and 1 April last year.
None of the seven alleged victims, all adult males, can be named, as the law bans the identification of complainants of sexual offences.None of the seven alleged victims, all adult males, can be named, as the law bans the identification of complainants of sexual offences.
Addressing the jury, trial judge Mr Justice King said: "No doubt you will have worked out, I am sure, that this case involves a public figure. It involves a politician. It involves members of parliament.Addressing the jury, trial judge Mr Justice King said: "No doubt you will have worked out, I am sure, that this case involves a public figure. It involves a politician. It involves members of parliament.
"Don't be overawed by that. Be dispassionate throughout the case."Don't be overawed by that. Be dispassionate throughout the case.
"Try Mr Evans only on the evidence. Put out of your mind any political views or prejudice you may have. Try this case only on the evidence.""Try Mr Evans only on the evidence. Put out of your mind any political views or prejudice you may have. Try this case only on the evidence."
Evans resigned as Commons deputy speaker after he was charged on 10 September last year.Evans resigned as Commons deputy speaker after he was charged on 10 September last year.
The Swansea-born MP, who lives in Pendleton, Lancashire, was one of three deputy speakers elected in a secret ballot of MPs in 2010. He was a vice-chairman of the Conservative party from 1999 to 2001.The Swansea-born MP, who lives in Pendleton, Lancashire, was one of three deputy speakers elected in a secret ballot of MPs in 2010. He was a vice-chairman of the Conservative party from 1999 to 2001.
His trial is expected to last up to five weeks.His trial is expected to last up to five weeks.