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MP Nigel Evans cleared on one sex assault charge MP Nigel Evans denies rape and sex assaults
(35 minutes later)
Former deputy speaker Nigel Evans has been cleared of one of the sex abuse charges at his trial, on orders of the judge. Former deputy speaker Nigel Evans entered the witness box at his trial and told a jury he had not raped or sexually assaulted anyone.
The charge related to an alleged sexual assault on a 21-year-old man in a bar at the Houses of Parliament in 2009.
The judge Mr Justice King told the jury at Preston Crown Court to consider an alternative charge of attempted sexual assault.
When the charge was put to him, Mr Evans pleaded not guilty.
The Lancashire MP has started to give evidence at the trial, telling the jury he had not raped or sexually assaulted anyone.
He denies one count of rape, two counts of indecent assault, five counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted sexual assault.He denies one count of rape, two counts of indecent assault, five counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted sexual assault.
His barrister Peter Wright QC asked him: "Have you sexually assaulted anyone in terms of the allegations set out here, Mr Evans?" Earlier the judge Mr Justice King told the jury at Preston Crown Court to clear him of one sexual assault charge.
The MP replied: "No, Mr Wright." He said jurors should consider a charge of attempted sexual assault instead.
Mr Wright then asked: "Have you raped anyone?" When the charge was put to him, Mr Evans pleaded not guilty.
He repeated: "No, Mr Wright."
The 56-year-old, who currently represents his constituents as an independent, is said to have carried out the attacks between 2002 and 2013.
The charges relate to incidents involving seven men.
The trial continues.The trial continues.