A researcher for Tory Minister Chris Skidmore appeared in court today accused of sexually assaulting a woman in the Houses of Parliament.
Callum Warren, 26, of Lilliput Court, Chipping Sodbury, Bristol, was bailed by Westminster Magistrates Court to appear at Southwark Crown Court on January 24.
The offence allegedly occurred last summer in the The Grade I listed Norman Shaw North building - the original New Scotland Yard - now part of the Parliamentary Estate.
Warren is charged that on July 12 he sexually assaulted a female in Room 220, of the Norman Shaw North building, Houses of Parliament, Parliament Street, with intent, by sexually penetrating her vagina with his fingers.
Shaven-headed and bearded Warren dressed in a blue suit, white shirt and blue patterned tie spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, address and nationality during the short hearing.
He is employed by Conservative MP Mr. Skidmore, who represents the constituency of Kingswood, South Gloucestershire and was recently appointed Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation.
The charge is indictable-only and Warren was sent to the crown court on condition he does not contact the victim.
Warren was notified of today’s court date by postal requisition and his lawyer Tom Warden indicated the charge would be fought.
“There was no penetration and any sexual contact was consensual,” he told District Judge Nina Tempia.
The judge told Warren not to contact the complainant, whose name was written down on a piece of paper for her, directly or indirectly by phone, email or social media to prevent further offences or interference with the witness.
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