Barry George Cleared of Jill Dando’s Murder Faces Court Over Child Rape Accusation
Barry George, age 65, has recently appeared in court facing serious accusations. He stands charged with raping a 14-year-old girl and two counts of indecent assault, all originating from incidents that allegedly took place in September 1987. The events occurred in the Hammersmith and Fulham area of west London.
Barry George’s Legal History
George is no stranger to the legal system. He was previously convicted in 2001 for the murder of Jill Dando, a well-known BBC presenter. However, his conviction was overturned by the Court of Appeal in November 2007, and he was fully exonerated by a jury in August 2008. Dando’s murder remains unsolved to this day.
Recent Court Appearance
On Wednesday, Barry George appeared via video link from Dublin during a plea and case management hearing at the Old Bailey. Dressed in a black sweater over a white shirt, he confirmed his identity to the court but did not provide any additional commentary. Judge Mark Lucraft KC granted a request to postpone the plea hearing for an additional 12 weeks, now scheduled for February 13.
Additional Charges Considered
During the court proceedings, prosecutor Kate Bex KC requested the inclusion of an attempted rape charge as an alternative to the current rape indictment. George has been released on unconditional bail while awaiting the next hearing.
Background on Jill Dando Case
- Jill Dando was shot outside her home in Fulham, west London, on April 26, 1999.
- She was one of the BBC’s most prominent figures at the time.
- George was arrested on suspicion of her murder in 2000, following an extensive police investigation.
- He served eight years in prison before being exonerated due to discarded forensic evidence.
Barry George has consistently denied any involvement in Jill Dando’s murder. As he faces new allegations of child rape, the legal journey for George continues to unfold.
