MPs 'told of Westminster grope'

19 March 2014 Last updated at 14:22

Nigel Evans trial: MPs 'told of Westminster grope'

Nigel Evans denies nine charges

A man who claims former deputy speaker Nigel Evans sexually abused him in a darkened kitchen at Westminster told two MPs about the alleged attack, Preston Crown Court has heard.

The witness said Mr Evans groped him in February 2011 while a party took place in his office.

Jurors were told the man, who works in Parliament, had told Conservative Andrew Percy and Labour's Tom Blenkinsop about what happened.

Mr Evans, 56, denies nine charges.

The Ribble Valley MP is accused of sexually assaulting seven young men on various dates between 2002 and last year.

'Unwanted advance'

Mr Percy, Tory MP for Brigg and Goole, had attended a late-night drinks gathering hosted by Mr Evans near his deputy speaker offices.

At some point he noticed that the complainant had left the room, the court heard.

In a statement read to jurors, Mr Percy said: "I don't know how long he had been. When he returned he said to [his friend] and myself something along the lines of 'Nigel has tried to come on to me'.

"I cannot remember the exact details as to what was described but I can say that he described it as an unwanted advance."

The alleged victim went on to tell Mr Blenkinsop, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, about the matter.

Mr Blenkinsop said in a statement: "He had disclosed he had been at a party with Nigel Evans. During this party Mr Evans made advances to [the alleged victim] and he had not been happy about what had taken place."

Mr Blenkinsop added the incident had not been referred to or discussed since until he was contacted by the police last year.

The jury has now heard from six of the men against whom Mr Evans is said to have committed offences.

The seventh complainant, who alleges he was raped at the MP's home in Pendleton, Lancashire, is due to give evidence later.

Mr Evans denies one rape, two indecent assaults and six sexual assaults.