Key Highlights
- Barry George, cleared of murdering TV presenter Jill Dando, faces new charges for alleged sexual offenses in 1987.
- The case is being heard at the Old Bailey, with George appearing via videolink from Dublin.
- George, who was previously convicted and acquitted of Jill Dando’s murder, now stands accused of one count of rape and two counts of indecent assault on a 14-year-old girl in 1987.
- The hearing is postponed to February 13, 2025, to allow George to attend via videolink from Ireland.
Barry George’s Double Controversy: From Murder Accusations to Child Abuse Allegations
The case of Barry George has taken a dramatic turn, as the man cleared of murdering Jill Dando now faces new allegations of child sex abuse. The hearing in his rape case was held at the Old Bailey, with George appearing via videolink from Dublin.
Background and Previous Accusations
BARRY GEORGE IS ACCUSED OF ONE COUNT OF RAPE AND TWO COUNTS OF INDECENT ASSAULT IN SEPTEMBER 1987. The incidents are alleged to have taken place in the Hammersmith and Fulham area of west London between September 6 and 12, 1987.
The case is reminiscent of George’s previous legal troubles, which culminated in his acquittal for Jill Dando’s murder after a retrial. While he was initially convicted of her murder in 2001, the conviction was quashed by the Court of Appeal in November 2007 and later cleared in August 2008.
Legal Proceedings and Future Hearings
George’s name is forever linked with the tragic death of Jill Dando. The former Crimewatch presenter was shot dead on the doorstep of her Fulham home in April 1999, an event that shook Britain at the time.
The recent charges against George involve alleged sexual offenses committed when he was just 17 years old. He faces one count of rape and two counts of indecent assault on a 14-year-old girl from September 1987.
The hearing took place with George appearing via videolink from Dublin, supported by his sister.
At the Old Bailey, Kate Bex KC, the prosecutor, informed the court that an additional charge of attempted rape would be added to the indictment as an alternative to the rape allegation. Judge Mark Lucraft KC agreed to postpone the plea hearing until February 13, 2025, allowing George to attend by videolink from Ireland.
During the hearing, George confirmed his name and date of birth, listened intently as the case timetable was discussed, and spoke affirmatively. The judge granted him continued unconditional bail and allowed for his next court appearance via videolink.
Repercussions and Impact
The new allegations against Barry George have reignited a debate about the justice system and the complexities of cases that span decades. Despite being cleared of Jill Dando’s murder, he remains under scrutiny due to these fresh accusations, which date back almost four decades.
While the outcome of this case is yet to be determined, it underscores the ongoing challenges in dealing with historical allegations and the impact they can have on individuals long after their initial convictions or acquittals.
The Old Bailey hearing has brought attention back to a case that has remained contentious for years. As legal proceedings continue, the public and media will be watching closely to see how this new chapter of George’s legal troubles unfolds.
