Police Inspector Denies Sexual Assault of Three Colleagues in Soho Bar
Dave Newman, 39, is on trial at Southwark Crown Court for alleged offences during a night out in 2023
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A police inspector is standing trial for sexually assaulting three female colleagues during a night out at a Soho bar. Dave Newman, 39, from Luton, denies three counts of sexual assault, which are alleged to have taken place in 2023.
The trial at Southwark Crown Court heard that Newman, who was off duty at the time, allegedly touched the women without their consent. Prosecutor Charlotte Godber told the jury he had an "unusual sense of liberty" to act as he wished, regardless of the women’s wishes.
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Allegations of Unwanted Touching
Godber said Newman "grabbed, groped, stroked and pinched his way around the dancefloor" during the incident. One woman told the court she froze when Newman placed his hand on her vagina area, above her clothing, for around two seconds.
A second complainant described being "very drunk" when Newman began "grinding behind her". She said he then placed his hand on her waist and hip before touching her vagina over her clothes. A third woman alleges he grabbed her bottom.
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The women, who cannot be named, were all off-duty police officers at the time. Godber told the jury the touching was "not wanted" and "not consented to".
The touching was not wanted, it was not consented to by the women he touched.
Charlotte Godber, prosecutor
Defendant’s Response
Newman, who wore a grey suit and had his hair in a top knot during the hearing, did not answer questions during his police interview. His defence case has not yet been presented to the jury.
The trial continues at Southwark Crown Court. It is unclear when the jury will retire to consider its verdict.
What Happens Next
The prosecution will continue presenting its case, followed by the defence. The trial is expected to last several days. If convicted, Newman faces a potential prison sentence and could be dismissed from the police force.
Questions this report answers
+What is Dave Newman accused of?
Dave Newman, a police inspector, is accused of sexually assaulting three female colleagues at a Soho bar. The allegations include grabbing, groping and unwanted touching. He denies three counts of sexual assault.
+What did the prosecutor say in court?
Prosecutor Charlotte Godber said Newman touched the women without consent, describing his actions as grabbing, groping and pinching. She told the jury the women did not want or consent to the contact.
+What happens if Newman is found guilty?
If convicted, Newman could face a prison sentence and would likely be dismissed from the police force. The trial is ongoing, and no verdict has been reached.
+How long will the trial last?
The trial at Southwark Crown Court is expected to continue for several days. The prosecution is presenting its case first, followed by the defence.
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