Prince Andrew: Deadline set for depositions in sexual assault case

[Biggie]

I wasn't aware of that it won't be a court case though. So I guess this means that Andrew can't be sentenced to jail like Ghislaine Maxwell was?

It's a civil court case. I can't speak for the jurisdiction that the case will be heard in, but in the UK civil cases are delineated noticeably differently to criminal cases. In other words, criminal cases outcomes are determined "beyond reasonable doubt" for a conviction while civil cases are determined by "weight of probability". Therefore to secure a guilty verdict all you need is 51% or so to speak.

If found guilty in a civil matter, that's egregious enough, the courts can impose a custodial sentence if aggravating factors deem it in the public interest. Ghislaine Maxwell was tried and convicted in a criminal prosecution.

It is possible he thought she was older, that she had consented to it and that he didn't realize she was a victim of sex trafficking.

I'm quite sure that believing she was older, given her consent or unaware to the fact that she was a victim of sex trafficking can be offered in Andrew's defence.
But, surly the fact that she was too young to legally give consent means that he has committed an offence. Being aware or ignorant to the fact that she was trafficked could be argued. One might suggest that a law abiding citizen would takes appropriate measures to ensure that their actions and behaviours remain lawful. Especially if one is in a position such as his. Even if the position is an accident of birth.

 

[Biggie]

I heard Meghan might be called in as a character witness though since she is an American citizen and knows Prince Andrew.

I'm curious, where did you hear this. Who's saying it?

To me , it sounds apocryphal.

 

[Angela Channing]

It is possible he thought she was older, that she had consented to it and that he didn't realize she was a victim of sex trafficking. If that is the case it would probably be better for his case if he was honest about it instead of just denying everything.

Legally, it's not relevant whether or not he thought she was older because it was up to him to establish that she was of age before he had sex with her. If she told him she was 18 when she was in fact younger then that could be used in mitigation but it would still be illegal.

I wasn't aware of that it won't be a court case though. So I guess this means that Andrew can't be sentenced to jail like Ghislaine Maxwell was?

There are 2 tracks in the legal system: criminal and civil and they run separately. The outcome in one doesn't necessarily impact on the outcome of the other because they have a different approach to how they consider evidence. Criminal prosecutions are usually carried out by the state ("The People" in the USA or "The Crown" in the UK) whereas civil cases are carried out by an individual, group or corporation without the involvement of the state. If Ms Giuffre wins her civil case, it doesn't necessarily follow that Andrew would be found guilty in a criminal case or that there will even be a criminal prosecution. As Andrew isn't co-operating with the police, Ms Giuffre's only course of action at the moment it to take it down the civil route.

 

[Karin Schill]

I'm curious, where did you hear this. Who's saying it?

To me , it sounds apocryphal.

I think I first read it here:

Meghan Markle Could Be Called to Testify in Prince Andrew Case, Says Virginia Giuffre's Lawyer

Virginia Giuffre's lawyer said they may seek to depose Meghan Markle in the case against Prince Andrew

people.com

 

[Sarah]

Prince Andrew could commit murder and considering who he is, it's highly likely he would never end up in jail anyway. I'm not sure what perception the British Royal Family give to the world outside the UK, but they are as shady as they come.