This week, solicitor and managing director Marcus Johnstone appeared widely across national media press and media, discussing the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office. His arrest is believed to relate to his longstanding relationship with Jeffery Epstein, a convicted sex offender, and Andrew has denied all allegations against him.
Speaking to the Financial Times, Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph, Metro, Daily Express, the Press Association, and others, Marcus described the challenges of investigating misconduct in public office offences and scope for additional criminal inquiries. Before Andrew’s arrest on Thursday, Marcus also published an opinion piece for LBC, predicting that police would open an inquiry into Andrew but questioning the likelihood of a prosecution.
Appearing on GB News and with Daily Beast reporter Tom Sykes, Marcus outlined both the advantages and disadvantages of notoriety in high-profile criminal investigations, and the way this unprecedented inquiry may be expected to progress.
On Andrew’s arrest, Marcus said:
‘‘Andrew’s arrest is not unexpected. His financial ties to Epstein are his legal weak spot, and certainly far easier to pursue than any allegations of sexual impropriety. But whilst an investigation is now taking place, we are still a long way away from a potential prosecution.
Misconduct in public office is very difficult to prove. Authorities would have to find clear evidence that Andrew knowingly or recklessly abused or exploited his position, which is easier said than done. More likely, investigators will be using this as the basis to scrutinise his relationship with Epstein even further, and in doing so assess unproven but ongoing claims that Andrew participated in some way in Epstein’s sex trafficking operation. His home can now be searched and past movements scrutinised even further, and formal questions can now be put to him at interview. A lot more detail is yet to emerge, but no formal complaint against Andrew by any of Epstein’s victims has seemingly been made - and unless it is, any investigation on those grounds is likely to be limited.’
You can find all press and media appearances by PCD Solicitors by visiting our press and media portal.