assaulted

ACTOR Kevin Spacey sexually assaulted a man despite being told, “No, this is not right”, court documents allege.

The star is being sued at the High Court by the man known only as LNP, who says he suffered pain, anxiety and distress.

Elizabeth-Anne Gumbel, for LNP, says in papers filed at the court that the alleged assaults happened on about 12 occasions from 2000 to 2005.

She says: “Mr Spacey would place his own hand on the claimant’s leg without consent.

“The claimant would attempt to remove the hand and say, ‘No, this is not right’.”

She called it a “breach of trust and exploitation by a powerful man in a position of responsibility on a much younger man”.

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Ms Gumbel said that LNP had suffered “pain and suffering at the time of the abuse itself, which was exacerbated by feelings of embarrassment, shame, dirtiness and confusion”.

He also suffered “anxiety and distress and mild post-traumatic symptoms from the abuse”.

She said: “The assaults were committed in circumstances of breach of trust and exploitation by a powerful man in a position of responsibility on a much younger man.

“The claimant seeks to claim aggravated damages.”

Oscar-winner Spacey, 66, has previously denied allegations of inappropriate behaviour and wrongdoing.

He has yet to file a defence to the claim.

The Foreign Office urged UK tourists them to stay vigilant for a number of issues, including sexual assaults, harassment and groping

British holidaymakers have been issued a stark warning after a spate of sexual assaults and harassment in Vietnam. The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice, stating that women have been targeted for inappropriate touching and groping while walking alone.

In a fresh alert, officials have urged tourists to be particularly cautious about what they are consuming and take measures to prevent their drinks from being spiked. They also highlighted that many of the offences were committed by unlicensed taxi drivers.

Furthermore, they cautioned that victims would be required to demonstrate that they did not consent to the attack, especially if they had consumed alcohol. Officials stated: “British nationals have reported rape and sexual assaults in the main tourist areas and places where foreigners live, often committed by or linked to unlicensed taxi drivers. Women have also reported indecent assaults and harassment. These include inappropriate touching and groping, particularly while walking alone.”

Foreign Office advice to reduce risk:

• buy your own drinks and keep them in sight to avoid them being spiked
• be wary of accepting snacks, beverages and gum from strangers and new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk
• use pre-arranged transport or official taxi-hailing apps, such as Grab or XanhSM, which supply licensed cabs. Be wary of scammers who claim to be from these companies and always book your full journey on the app
• save the location of your accommodation on a map app (such as Google Maps), so that it is easier to find at the end of the night
• set up a WhatsApp group to keep in contact with others in your group
• report anything that does not feel right to the management of local bars, restaurants, hotels or hostels

An official added: “In Vietnam there is a higher burden of proof for victims than in the UK. Victims must show they did not consent, particularly if they drank alcohol or knew the alleged attacker.”

“If you are a victim of a sexual assault, you can reach out to the British Embassy in Hanoi or Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. Consular staff can assist you in reporting an incident to local authorities, if you would like to do so. Read FCDO’s information pack relating to rape and sexual assaults in Vietnam for more advice.”

The Foreign Office has also issued a fresh warning for vapers planning to visit the country: “Vapes and related products are banned. You cannot buy vapes in Vietnam or bring them into the country.”

More information on rules and safety issues in Vietnam is available on the Foreign Office website.

COPS have released CCTV footage of a man they are hunting in connection with an alleged sexual assault.

A man is alleged to have attacked a woman as she sat next to him on a busy train from Birmingham to London.

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British Transport Police confirmed a probe had been launched into the shocking assault.

The force said: “Detectives investigating a sexual assault on board a train from Birmingham New Street to London Euston have released this CCTV image in connection.

“On Wednesday 30 July at around 6.36pm a man sexually assaulted a woman as she sat next to him on the train.

“Detectives believe the man in this CCTV image may have information that could help with their investigation.

“Anyone who recognises him is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016, or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 674 of 30 July.

“Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

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A YOUNG woman was pushed to the ground and “sexually assaulted” while walking down a road as a man, 27, has been arrested.

Detectives have arrested a man following the incident that took place in the early hours of Sunday morning in Liverpool.

A woman in her 20s reported that a man on a bike had been following her while she was walking down Crosby Road South at around 5.45am.

The suspect then proceeded to cover her mouth with his hand and push her to the floor.

After the victim desperately screamed for help, the man fled the scene.

Merseyside Police have arrested a 27-year-old man from Litherland on suspicion of sexual assault.

He currently remains in custody for questioning. 

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Suffield said that the incident is deeply concerning and left the victim “extremely shaken.”

In a statement he said: “This is a deeply concerning incident and our investigation continues.

“The victim was understandably left extremely shaken and we will support her through this process.

“A man has been arrested, but I would still urge anyone who lives in the area to check your own, CCTV, dashcam and any doorbell devices should there be anything which helps this work.

“Any information could be vital, so let us make the assessment.”

Extensive witness and CCTV enquiries are continuing.

Anyone with information on the incident should contact the Merseyside Police social media desk @MerPolCC on X and Facebook quoting reference 25000780190

COPS are frantically searching for a man after a 12-year-old girl, walking with her mother, was reportedly sexually assaulted twice on a train.

The despicable crime is alleged to have occurred on a train between Birmingham and Hereford on Saturday, August 16.

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As the young girl was walking to the toilets with her mother the man is said to have sexually assaulted her.

He then waited outside the toilets and sexually assaulted her again as she left, cops said.

The British Transport Police have now released an image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

Cops said the man may have valuable information that could help their investigation into the horrific crime.

Detective Sergeant Matthew Grieve said: “This is a deeply distressing incident which has shocked and impacted the family.

“We would like to speak to the man pictured, as we believe he may have valuable information that would help our investigation.”

Anyone who recognises the man or has info about the harrowing incident is asked to contact BTP as a matter of urgency.

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ACTRESS Emily Atack says she has been sexually assaulted while making TV shows and movies throughout her career. 

The former Inbetweeners star, 35, believes the use of “intimacy co-ordinators” on the set of her latest show Rivals has heralded a welcome shift in behaviour. 

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The mother of one revealed she has previously been the target of sexual abuse at work and wants to explore the issue in a documentary. 

Of intimacy co-ordinators, she said: “I’ve seen people roll their eyes about them and say, ‘I don’t need one.’

“There’s a defensiveness about it, because they feel like they’re being accused of something they haven’t even done yet. 

“Intimacy coordinators are there for support if you feel uncomfortable, whether you’re a man or a woman.

“I’ve been sexually assaulted at work throughout my career, whether it’s on the actual set, or at a wrap party. 

“And since the #MeToo movement, it shows that people are listening and that there has to be a shift in behaviour on sets.” 

She recently revealed her joy at working on Disney+ show Rivals, which includes many sex scenes but also has a team on standby to ensure everyone is comfortable. 

Emily, who plays Sarah Stratton, told the Radio Times: “I’m really proud of the Rivals gang because, throughout my life, I haven’t felt safe all the time, and we’re all so respectful of each other.  

“We have to do a lot of sexual scenes and we’re very looked after — it’s a really positive thing.” 

Emily, who is now engaged to materials scientist Dr Alistair Garner, launched her acting career 18 years ago with small parts in dramas including ITV’s Heartbeat. 

She then made her breakthrough as Charlotte Hinchcliffe in The Inbetweeners, which ran from 2008 to 2010 on Channel 4 and is one of Britain’s best-loved comedies. 

She also appeared in Only Fools And Horses prequel comedy Rock & Chips on BBC One in 2010, the 2013 gangster film Get Lucky and the 2016 movie remake of Dad’s Army.

She finished second on I’m A Celebrity in 2018. 

The Sun revealed she is to host ITV game show Nobody’s Fool, with Rivals co-star Danny Dyer. 

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No compensation

IT’S the showpiece beach resort at the heart of Kim Jong-un’s plans for a holiday empire – but the “North Korean Benidorm” hides a dark secret.

The Wonsan-Kalma resort reportedly got its nickname after dictator Kim sent a fact-finding mission to Spain’s Costa Blanca in 2017.

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But unlike its Mediterranean rival, Wonsan-Kalma has a history filled with forced labour, human rights abuses – and poo.

The horrors began right at the start of the project, when the regime press-ganged teenage schoolkids into “shock brigades” of builders.

Pyongyang propaganda bragged that these youths were building the resort’s hotels at the rate of a storey per day in a December 2019 report.

But by then two deadlines to finish the job had already passed, and with a third looming, builders were made to work almost round the clock in icy temperatures.

Party chiefs mobilised workers “in the bitter cold of January, February, and March, allowing them to sleep for only three hours a day,” a source told the Daily NK newspaper.

And though the regime called the youths “volunteers”, really they had no real choice.

People are forced into “shock brigades” with the threat of arrest and detention in labour camps, according to a UN report about forced labour in North Korea.

Recruits get a monthly wage that is “only enough to buy two packs of cigarettes”, the report added, and are fed so little that malnutrition is widespread.

Workers at Wonsan lived off “foul-smelling seaweed soup, salted radishes and yellow corn rice,” according to Daily NK.

Female workers faced an added peril.

One woman quoted by the UN recalled how shock brigade chiefs “harassed” them and said “many women were sexually abused”.

North Korea expert Michael Madden described the backbreaking toil faced by “volunteers” at Wonsan.

He said: “Youth Shock Brigades would be involved in digging foundations, framing, painting, paving, and moving materials and supplies.

“Pay for brigade members is minimal.

“In the past, the brigade members were not provided adequate food supplies and stole from local populations.”

Today the resort welcomes Russian visitors and members of the North Korean elite.

But guests may be surprised to learn that they’re not the first to stay in the brand-new hotels.

When the third deadline for finishing the resort passed in April 2020, the site lay almost abandoned for months as Covid-19 spread around the world.

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Soon reports emerged that homeless wanderers – known as kkotjebi in North Korea – had moved in to the skeletal hotels.

“The buildings are no different from toilets, with bowel movements left behind by the kkotjebi everywhere,” a source told Daily NK.

“Now they’re full of human waste and soot from fires.”

The same report also revealed that the resort’s planning chief and site manager had been sacked in 2019 amid mounting delays.

It’s a punishment with potentially fatal consequences.

Mr Madden, the founder of North Korea Leadership Watch, and a fellow of the Stimson Center in Washington DC, said nothing had been heard of either of them since.

If they were blamed for inefficiencies or incompetence, he said, they probably faced demotion, intensive indoctrination, and a manual labour assignment.

“On the other hand if there was malfeasance or some type of corruption, then both of these people have, at the least, faced a lengthy incarceration,” he continued.

“If these individuals had a habit of corrupt activities on Wonsan-Kalma and any previous projects, then one or both project managers faced the firing squad.”

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Before it was a holiday destination, Wonsan was a missile launch site.
Indeed the rockets continued blasting off even as the hotels took shape.

And ultimately, that’s how money spent by tourists will be used.

Greg Scarlatoiu, executive director of the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea, warned holidaymakers not to fund Kim’s “tools of death”.

He said: “The money coming from tourists, mostly Russians at the moment, will go to the areas that the regime regards as critical to its survival.

“These are: keeping the Kim family rich, and the key elites happy, as well as developing nuclear weapons, ballistic missiles, and other tools of death.”

The North Korean tourism push, which seeks to raise foreign currency, has also seen the regime open the Masikryong Ski Resort, and Yangdok hot springs resort.

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COPS are urgently hunting for a topless man after a woman was allegedly sexually assaulted on the Tube.

Police said that their suspect struck on a Jubilee line train travelling between Southwark and London Bridge on Monday, June 30.

The alleged sexual assault happened just before 5pm, when thousands of commuters would be leaving the office and getting on the London Underground.

Now, the British Transport Police (BTP) has released a CCTV image in the hopes someone can identify the person of interest.

The picture shows a middle-aged white man of medium build with short dark hair.

He is wearing black and white patterned shorts and appears to have a tattoo on his right arm.

A BTP statement said: “Officers would like to speak to the man pictured as they believe he may have information which could help their investigation.”

The statement added: “Anyone who recognises him is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 500 of 30 June.

“Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Data released by Transport for London revealed over 800 reports of sexual assault on the London Underground were made in 2024.

This was an increase of 56 assaults when compared to the previous year, with 745 occurring between April 2022 and April 2023.

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COPS have launched an urgent probe after a woman was allegedly sexually assaulted near a church as they urge any witnesses to come forward.

The shocking attack is reported to have taken place in Liftondown, Devon, at the weekend sparking a police investigation.

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The woman was sexually assaulted by a man at around 1am on Saturday, August 2, Devon and Cornwall Police say.

The attack allegedly happened near the Methodist church on the A388 in Liftondown.

Officers, who said the woman is being supported by specially trained staff, are appealing for dashcam footage from anyone driving in the area at the time.

Detective Inspector Neil Lloyd said: “The female victim is being supported by specially trained officers as our enquiries are continuing.

“We are currently appealing for dashcam footage from anyone who was driving in that area between midnight and 2am on Saturday 2 August.

“Incidents of this nature understandably cause great concern in the local community, and we urge anyone with any information to contact us.”

A British holidaymaker has claimed she was sexually assaulted while parasailing in Sousse, Tunisia.

Michelle Wilson, 52, from Southport, Merseyside, says the parasail operator pressed himself against her and groped her mid-air during what should have been a thrilling ride.

Michelle had planned to go on a tandem parasail flight with a friend, but was told it was too windy in Tunisia that day and they would have to fly separately, each accompanied by an operator.

She said her friend went up first “and had a great time, with no problems”, noting there was plenty of distance between her friend and the operator.

However, Michelle’s own experience was very different.

The mum-of-three said:

“I could feel the back of my bikini bottoms being pulled and he was pulling the strap. He must have been tightening the harness to get me closer. His legs straddled around me, he had one hand up on the parachute, the other wasn’t. Then I felt him touch my leg.”

She continued: “He was groping me and moving back and forth into me and talking to me in Arabic. I felt him pressing against me. I kept arching my back.

“I felt violated and dirty and was scared. He was only a young lad, maybe around 20. It was a horrible experience and I was really scared. I felt helpless hanging in the air.”

Michelle burst into tears after landing and reported the incident to the water sports centre’s manager before going to the local police.

The £6,000 easyJet package holiday had been booked for Michelle, her 17-year-old daughter, her 16-year-old twin boys, and her daughter’s 17-year-old friend.

However, she said she felt unable to enjoy the rest of the trip after what happened.

She added: “As women you expect a bit of banter from men in these countries, but this wasn’t banter, it was a sexual assault.”

Michelle believes her alleged attacker has since been arrested, and that both her insurance firm and the Foreign Office are now involved in the case.

An easyJet spokesperson said:

“The safety and wellbeing of our customers is a priority, and we are continuing to support Ms Wilson. We are also liaising closely with our hotel partner to look into the reports.”

A Married At First Sight UK contestant has reportedly claimed they were sexually assaulted during the filming process of the show

A Married At First Sight UK contestant has reportedly claimed they were sexually assaulted by their new partner during filming for the E4 show. It is understood the police are currently probing the contestant’s claims.

The popular reality series sees couples meet at the altar before spending their wedding night in a hotel. They then head on a honeymoon together. After returning, they live together and each week take part in a commitment ceremony, during which they can choose to stay or leave their marriage.

The series then concludes with one final commitment ceremony, during which the couples must make a lasting decision about the future of their marriage.

It has been reported by The Sun that the “non-recent” claim was reported on June 14. A spokesperson for Channel 4 told the Mirror that they are aware that a report has been made to police about an alleged sexual assault during filming.

They added: “We take any issues on the show incredibly seriously. Producers follow strict welfare protocols as the wellbeing of the cast is always the first priority. Support would be offered to anyone who wished to report a matter to the authorities, and naturally we would cooperate with any enquiries or investigations.”

A source told The Sun that the alleged assault “is a disastrous look for bosses” as the show has been criticised before.

According to the publication, police said: “We received a report of a non-recent sexual assault on June 14. Enquiries remain ongoing,” with a show spokesman telling them they’re “aware” of the report and adding they offer support to “anyone who wished to report a matter”.

Filming for the UK version began in February. The series usually airs in the autumn. Experts for the series include Mel Schilling, Charlene Douglas and Paul C Brunson.

* If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999

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POLICE have launched a manhunt after a woman was sexually assaulted.

The incident occurred in the Claremont area of Blackpool at around 4.45am on Saturday, June 28.

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Blackpool Police has now released CCTV images of a man they want to speak to in relation to the assault.

Cops believe he may have been in the town centre area throughout Friday evening and Saturday morning.

In addition to the manhunt, they are also appealing for CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage between the town centre and Claremont area.

In a statement to Lancashire Live, Blackpool Police said: “We’re asking if you recognise this man after an incident over the weekend.

“At around 4:45am on the morning of Saturday 28th June, we received a report of a sexual assault in Blackpool.

“It was reported that a man sexually assaulted a woman in the Claremont area of North Blackpool.

“An investigation is underway, and the woman is being supported.”

Anyone that recognises the man, has information, or footage that could assist the investigation should contact 101 quoting log 0270 of 28th June.

Los Angeles County is poised to pay nearly $2.7 million to a teenager whose violent beating at a juvenile hall launched a sprawling criminal investigation into so-called “gladiator fights” inside the troubled facility.

Video of the December 2023 beating, captured on CCTV, showed Jose Rivas Barillas, then 16, being pummeled by six juveniles at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall as probation officers stood idly by. Each youth attacked Rivas Barillas for a few seconds before returning to breakfast. Two officers, later identified as longtime probation officials Taneha Brooks and Shawn Smyles, laughed and shook hands, encouraging the brawl.

“What made this unique is the video,” said Rivas Barillas’ attorney, Jamal Tooson, who said his client suffered a broken nose and traumatic brain injury. “The entire world got to witness the brutality that’s taking place with our children at the hands of the Los Angeles County Probation Department.”

The video, first reported by The Times, prompted a criminal investigation by the state attorney general’s office, which later charged 30 probation officers — including Brooks and Smyles — with allowing and encouraging fights among teens inside county juvenile halls. California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta referred to the coordinated brawls as “gladiator fights” and said his office’s CCTV review had turned up 69 such fights during the chaotic first six months after the hall opened in July 2023.

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Footage obtained by the L.A. Times shows a December 2023 incident in which staffers can be seen allowing at least six youths to hit and kick a 17-year-old.

On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors will vote on whether to approve the $2.67-million settlement to Rivas Barillas and his mother, Heidi Barillas Lemus.

According to a public summary of the “corrective action plan” that the Probation Department must produce before a large settlement, officials failed to review CCTV video of the fight and waited too long to transport the teen to a hospital and notify his family.

CCTV monitors are now “staffed routinely,” and officials are working on conducting random audits of the recordings, according to the plan. A spokesperson for the Probation Department did not respond to a request for comment.

Immediately after Rivas Barillas arrived at the Downey juvenile hall, Brooks demanded to know his gang affiliation, according to the claim filed with the county. Brooks said she had heard that Rivas Barillas, who is Latino, was from the “Canoga” gang and that she “hoped he could fight” before directing the other juveniles, all of whom were Black, to attack him in the day room, the claim stated.

After the video made headlines, accounts of teens forced by probation officers to fight have trickled out of Los Padrinos. A teen told The Times in March that officers at Los Padrinos rewarded him with a fast-food “bounty” — In-N-Out, Jack in the Box, McDonald’s — if he beat up kids who misbehaved. The teenager, who had previously been housed in the same unit as Rivas Barillas, said staffers would also organize fights when someone arrived who was thought to be affiliated with a gang that didn’t get along with the youths inside.

“We get a new kid, he’s from the hood. We have other hoods in here. We’re going to get all the fights out of the way,” he said at the time. “They were just setting it up to control the situation.”

Another teenager, identified in court filings as John (Lohjk) Doe, alleged in a lawsuit filed in February that soon after arriving at Los Padrinos in 2024, he was escorted by an officer to the day room. The officer, identified only by the surname Santos, told a youth inside the day room that “you have eleven (11) seconds” and watched as the youth attacked Doe, according to the lawsuit.

On another occasion, the same officer threatened to pepper-spray Doe if he didn’t fight another youth for 20 seconds. The teens who fought were rewarded with extra television and more time out of their cells, the suit alleged.

After the teen told a female officer about the two coordinated brawls, he was transferred to solitary confinement, the suit alleged.

Times staff writer James Queally contributed to this report.

EX-TOWIE star James Argent has ditched the lawyers who kept him out of jail after he assaulted his girlfriend. 

The former reality TV star is now on to his third legal team since the May 5 assault in Spain. 

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Argent, 37, struck a deal with public prosecutors and accepted a six-month suspended prison sentence for the attack on former Miss Sweden Nicoline Artursson, 32, at a rented home. 

She suffered injuries to her neck, arms, hand and leg.

He was hauled to Fuengirola’s Court of Violence Against Women and admitted the crime of mistreatment. 

A well-placed legal source said: “The individual who was convicted has appointed a new barrister and solicitor.” 

The new lawyers have not been named but may be involved in negotiating terms of a rehabilitation course he has to attend. 

The ex-Towie star James Argent was ordered to pay his ex-girlfriend just £250 in compensation for attacking her.

Argent, 37, was handed a six month suspended prison sentence after hurting Nicoline Artursson at their Spanish home.

He frogmarched her to the door of their picturesque beachfront property and pushed her down a set of steps.

Cops wanted to charge Argent with wounding but settled for the lesser offence of ‘mistreatment’ after he agreed to a plea deal.

But court papers obtained by The Sun show Argent – who raked in £5,000-a-week last year – was only required to pay Nicoline a paltry £250 in damages.

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