Met Police inspector denies groping three colleagues in Soho bar

A Metropolitan Police inspector is standing trial for allegedly sexually assaulting three female colleagues during a night out at a Soho bar. Dave Newman, 39, from Luton, denies three counts of sexual assault, Southwark Crown Court heard on 29 July 2024.

Prosecutor Charlotte Godber told the court that Newman "grabbed, groped, stroked and pinched his way around the dancefloor" on the night in question. The alleged incidents took place while all officers were off duty, she said.

Allegations of unwanted touching

One of the complainants told the court she froze when Newman placed his hand on her vagina area, over her clothing, for around two seconds. The woman, whose identity is protected, said the contact was unwanted.

A second woman described being "very drunk" when Newman began "grinding behind her". Jurors heard he then placed his hand on her waist and left hip before touching her vagina over her clothing.

The third complainant alleges Newman grabbed her bottom during the same evening. All three women are serving police officers, the court was told.

Godber told the jury that Newman appeared to believe being off duty gave him "an unusual sense of liberty to do whatever he wanted with the women present, regardless of whether they wanted to be touched or not."

Defendant denies charges

Newman, who wore a grey suit and had his hair in a top knot during the hearing, did not answer questions during his police interview. His defence case has not yet been presented to the court.

The trial continues at Southwark Crown Court. It is unclear when the jury will retire to consider its verdict. The court has not set a date for closing statements.