The storm over MP Mike Hancock went to the High Court today as a young mother who has accused him of inappropriate sexual conduct demands to see a report into his alleged behaviour.
Portsmouth city council is fighting her request for a copy of the full report by Nigel Pascoe QC, which the council commissioned. A redacted version was leaked on to the internet this week.
Mr Pascoe said the woman had provided “compelling prima facie evidence of serious and unwelcome sexual behaviour” towards her by Mr Hancock, an independent MP and a Lib-Dem councillor in Portsmouth.
The office for the Portsmouth South MP’s office warned that the leaked report was likely to be “one-sided” because he had yet to give evidence to Mr Pascoe.
Mr Hancock strongly denies the claims and police and the Crown Prosecution Service have decided not to take any action.
The city council has launched its own inquiry and it is arguing against releasing the report to the woman, who has launched a civil action against 67-year-old Mr Hancock.
Mr Hancock’s son has been charged with assault causing actual bodily harm after an incident involving a photographer. Dean Hancock, 37, was bailed to appear at Fareham magistrates’ court on February 12.
