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MP Nigel Evans cleared of sexual assaults MP Nigel Evans cleared of sexual assaults
(35 minutes later)
Former deputy speaker of the House of Commons Nigel Evans has been cleared of a string of sex abuse charges, including one of rape.Former deputy speaker of the House of Commons Nigel Evans has been cleared of a string of sex abuse charges, including one of rape.
The rape claim was one of several allegations made by seven men during a five-week trial at Preston Crown Court.The rape claim was one of several allegations made by seven men during a five-week trial at Preston Crown Court.
The former Conservative MP was said to have used his political influence to take advantage of his alleged victims.The former Conservative MP was said to have used his political influence to take advantage of his alleged victims.
But the defence pointed out inconsistencies in various witness accounts.But the defence pointed out inconsistencies in various witness accounts.
The jury unanimously found Evans not guilty of one count of rape, five sexual assaults, one attempted sexual assault and two indecent assaults. '11 months of hell'
'Hand down trousers' The jury unanimously found Mr Evans not guilty of one count of rape, five sexual assaults, one attempted sexual assault and two indecent assaults.
The rape complainant, aged 22, told the jury he was assaulted by Mr Evans after a dinner party at the defendant's home in Pendleton, Lancashire, in March last year. The 56-year Ribble Valley MP burst into tears as the verdicts were announced.
Speaking outside the court, Mr Evans said he had been "through 11 months of hell".
He said: "This isn't a time for celebration or euphoria. As William Roache said on this very spot, there are no winners in these cases, so no celebration.
"Nothing will ever be the same again."
The rape complainant, aged 22, had told the jury he was assaulted by Mr Evans after a dinner party at the defendant's home in Pendleton, Lancashire, in March last year.
But the 56-year-old MP said the sex was consensual.But the 56-year-old MP said the sex was consensual.
In 2003, Mr Evans was said to have indecently assaulted two men in their 20s when he approached them in public places while drunk and put his hand down their trousers.In 2003, Mr Evans was said to have indecently assaulted two men in their 20s when he approached them in public places while drunk and put his hand down their trousers.
The jury heard in his defence that these were examples of "drunken over-familiarity" and Mr Evans had no recollection of either event.The jury heard in his defence that these were examples of "drunken over-familiarity" and Mr Evans had no recollection of either event.
'Daft, not malign'
The MP had given up the party whip to become deputy speaker, and could potentially have it returned.The MP had given up the party whip to become deputy speaker, and could potentially have it returned.
A Conservative Party spokesman said: "We are very pleased Nigel Evans has been cleared of all charges after this very difficult time."A Conservative Party spokesman said: "We are very pleased Nigel Evans has been cleared of all charges after this very difficult time."
Party sources indicated there would be discussions about Mr Evans's future with the parliamentary and constituency association in the coming days and weeks.Party sources indicated there would be discussions about Mr Evans's future with the parliamentary and constituency association in the coming days and weeks.
Mr Evans, who was born in Swansea and lives in Pendleton, Lancashire, was a Conservative MP before becoming deputy speaker in June 2010, a politically neutral role. Labour MP for Huddersfield Barry Sheerman said on Mr Evans's acquittal: "He may have been a bit daft on occasions but never malign."
He resigned as deputy speaker after he was charged in September 2013. Support for Mr Evans has been pouring in on Twitter.
Michael Fabricant, who was sacked as a Conservative party vice-chairman on Wednesday, wrote: "Wonderful news that Nigel Evans has been acquitted on all counts.
"The party whip must now be restored to him without delay!"
Conservative MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire Stephen Crabb tweeted: "So pleased for my friend Nigel Evans today. A good man. Horrid experience to go through."
Mr Evans, who was born in Swansea and lives in Pendleton, Lancashire, became deputy speaker in June 2010, a politically neutral role.
He resigned from the post after he was charged in September 2013.