Prince Andrew's accuser says 'others must be held accountable'
The woman who has accused Prince Andrew of being involved with Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse has said ‘others must be held accountable’ following Ghislaine Maxwell’s conviction.
Predatory socialite Maxwell was found guilty of sex-trafficking young girls for billionaire Jeffrey Epstein to abuse.
Virginia Roberts, also known as Virginia Giuffre, said she had ‘lived with the horrors of Maxwell’s abuse’ and commended the four women who testified against the 60-year-old during her New York trial.
Ms Roberts, who claims she was forced to have sex with the Duke of York three times in 2001 and two further times in New York and on Epstein’s private island, said she has ‘faith’ others will now face justice.
Andrew has categorically denied he had any form of sexual contact or relationship with Ms Roberts.
In a series of tweets, she said: ‘My soul yearned for justice for years and today the jury gave me just that. I will remember this day always.
‘Having lived with the horrors of Maxwell’s abuse, my heart goes out to the many other girls and young women who suffered at her hands and whose lives she destroyed.
‘The verdict screams loud and clear – if you make it easier for another to sexually abuse children, you, too, will be held accountable for your role in that abuse.
‘You will be arrested, and you will go to prison.
‘The verdict also confirms what we’ve known all along: Jeffrey Epstein did not act alone.
‘If it was not for Ms Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein would never have been able to abuse these girls.’
Mr Glassman continued: ‘We commend the US Government for pursuing a righteous case and offer our praise to Judge Nathan who presided over this trial during an incredibly difficult time with calm, impartiality, and tenacity.
‘We are glad justice prevailed and that the strong women survivors of Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse can all sleep better tonight knowing that the justice system got it right, that a jury of their peers heard them, believed them, and validated the unimaginable pain and suffering they’ve had to endure for the majority of their lives.
‘The jury stayed focused on what really mattered: Ms Maxwell played a critical role in helping Jeffrey Epstein sexually abuse girls.’
Maria Farmer, the sister of Annie Farmer – who was the only victim to testify under their full name in the trial – said both of them were ‘sobbing with joy’ after Maxwell was convicted.
In a tweet, she later said: ‘We are proud of one another. I have spent every moment for seven years working towards this verdict.’
A statement from the US attorney’s office after the verdict was delivered said: ‘A unanimous jury has found Ghislaine Maxwell guilty of one of the worst crimes imaginable – facilitating and participating in the sexual abuse of children. Crimes that she committed with her long-time partner and co-conspirator, Jeffrey Epstein.
‘The road to justice has been far too long. But, today, justice has been done. I want to commend the bravery of the girls – now grown women – who stepped out of the shadows and into the courtroom.
‘Their courage and willingness to face their abuser made this case, and today’s result, possible.
‘I also want to thank the career prosecutors of the Southern District of New York, who embraced the victims’ quest for justice and have worked tirelessly, day in and day out, to ensure that Maxwell was held accountable for her crimes.
‘This office will always stand with victims, will always follow the facts wherever they lead, and will always fight to ensure that no-one, no matter how powerful and well connected, is above the law.’
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