An end to Prince Andrew's obstructionism has been put by a federal judge in New York, who ruled that Virginia Jufre's civil claims against him can proceed.
Jufre has alleged that suicidal Jeffrey Epstein and Gislaine Maxwell sexually abused[/B] her[/B] and forced her to have sexual intercourse with the Duke of York when she was 17 years old. On 9 August, she took the prince to court against him, alleging assault and intentional infliction of emotional harm.
Prince Andrew's legal team argued that Jufre's settlement with Epstein in 2009 protected him. The settlement, unsealed on January 3, earned Jufre $500,00 and included a clause in favor of possible other potential defendants.
The judge in his dismissal ruled that it would be premature to consider the prince's efforts to challenge Jufre's allegations. "The law prohibits the court from considering, at this stage of the proceedings, the defendant's attempts to challenge the truth of Jufre's allegations even though such attempts would be admissible at trial," it said, adding that the court was not in a position to rule on the settlement agreement Jeffrey Epstein and Jufre signed in 2009.
The ruling deals a fresh blow to the British blue blood, whose reputation and standing within the royal family have already been damaged following the revelation of his links with Epstein and Maxwell and the publicity of the allegations.
Source: Proto Thema
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Times
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Times
Source
