The Metropolitan Police will charge Harvey Weinstein with two charges of indecent assault against a woman in August 1996, prosecutors in the United Kingdom announced Thursday.
Scotland Yard had been given permission to charge the former film producer, according to Rosemary Ainslie, head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Crime Division.
The charges stemmed from an incident in London in August 1996 involving a single female complainant, and the decision was reached after the CPS evaluated evidence acquired by the Met.
The woman at the center of the claims is now in her 50s, according to police, and the two alleged offenses are in violation of section 14(1) of the Sexual Offences Act 1956.
‘The CPS has given the Metropolitan Police permission to charge Harvey Weinstein with two charges of indecent assault against a woman in August 1996,’ Ms Ainslie said.
‘Following a review of the evidence acquired by the Metropolitan Police in its investigation, charges have been authorized against Harvey Weinstein, 70.’
The Crown Prosecution Service wishes to remind everyone that criminal proceedings against the defendant are ongoing and that he is entitled to a fair trial.’
‘Detectives have been allowed by the Crown Prosecution Service to prosecute Harvey Weinstein, aged 70, with two charges of indecent assault against one woman in August 1996,’ a Met Police spokesman said today.
‘The CPS’ charging decision follows a review of the evidence gathered by the Metropolitan Police in its investigation.
Weinstein at the 1997 Cannes Film Festival
‘The two offences of indecent assault, contrary to section 14(1) of the Sexual Offences Act 1956 are as follows:
- ‘Indecent assault (count 1) on a woman who is now in her 50s between 31st July and 31st August 1996 in London
- ‘Indecent assault (count 2) on a woman who is now in her 50s between 31st July and 31st August 1996 in London
‘The Met Police has updated all those whose allegations formed part of this investigation.’
Weinstein was sentenced in March 2020 at the New York Supreme Court to 23 years in prison for a sexual assault in 2006 and a rape in a separate incident in 2013.
The 70-year-old is currently in a prison in California where he is awaiting another trial for alleged sexual assault against five women. He has pleaded not guilty