Nigel Evans trial: witness describes ‘irritation’ of Patrick McLoughlin

On day three of the Nigel Evans trial in Preston, a parliamentary worker who accuses the MP and former Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans of sexual assault, has described what he says happened when he saw the then Conservative Chief Whip Patrick McLoughlin to complain about Evans’s behaviour.

The meeting took place in 2009, a year before the last General Election.

“Patrick’s reaction was one of irritation,” the alleged victim told the court.

“He huffed throughout.  He asked me what I wanted to happen.  I said Nigel Evans should resign.”

The witness continued:  “Patrick McLoughlin said: ‘It can’t be done, the timing isn’t right.  I would find it very difficult to explain why an MP is leaving his seat at this point before a General Election. He has no immediate family we can pass it off on.  It can’t be done.'”

Mr McLoughlin, who is now the Transport Secretary, is expected to give evidence for the prosecution next week.

Nigel Evans denies one count of rape and eight counts of indecent or sexual assault ranging over the period from 2002 to 2013.

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