A WELL-KNOWN charity champion and mental health campaigner has denied indecently assaulting a woman in St Helier more than a decade ago.
Andrew James Le Seelleur (58), who was awarded an MBE in 2013 for services to the community, appeared at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday charged with violating the woman – referred to as Ms X – in the early 2010s.
Mr Le Seelleur became prominent in Jersey for his work supporting those with mental health issues, and is the current serving chairman of non-profit organisation Thrive Jersey.
He is alleged to have assaulted the complainant by approaching her from behind and “wiping semen onto her face and mouth”, the court was told.
Legal advisor Samantha Morris, prosecuting, described the alleged incident as “highly degrading”, but said she was content for the matter to remain in the Magistrate’s Court for trial.
“[If convicted] it may be at the top end of the court’s sentencing powers”, she stated. “But in terms of jurisdiction, the prosecution would say the matter could be dealt with here.”
Advocate Mike Preston, defending, said his client denies the alleged offence on a factual basis – his position being that the incident “didn’t happen”.
Assistant Magistrate Adam Clarke, presiding, accepted jurisdiction for the matter, thereby fixing the maximum potential sentence at 12 months custody or an equivalent fine of £10,000.
He released Mr Le Seelleur on bail with conditions that he remain at his residence and refrain from contacting the complainant – and relevant witnesses – either directly or indirectly.
Mr Le Seelleur will next appear in court for a pre-trial directions hearing on 12 August.
