TUESDAY 20 AUGUST 2019Blind Tory peer denies sex
assault of masseuse at spa
The Paralympian champion (centre) leaves court at a previous hearing (PA)
CATHERINE WYLIE AND MOLLY LYMN
A Conservative peer and one of Britain’s most successful Paralympians yesterday denied sexually assaulting
a masseuse at a five-star hotel.
Lord Holmes of Richmond, a nine-time Paralympic swimming champion, is accused of touching the alleged
victim at the luxury venue in central London during a massage at a spa in March. The 47-year-old, who is
blind, pleaded not guilty at Southwark Crown Court.
Dressed in a dark suit, he was led into the court by his instructing solicitor Andrew Gilmore and sat on a
seat in front of the dock behind his lawyer Alexander dos Santos. The Conservative life peer confirmed his
name as Christopher Holmes, stated his date of birth and said his nationality was British.
His unconditional bail was renewed by Judge Jeffrey Pegden QC. The court heard a High Court judge will