EXCLUSIVE: MP Mike Hancock reaches settlement over 'victim'
TROUBLED MP Mike Hancock has reached an out-of-court agreement with a vulnerable woman constituent who claimed he sexually assaulted her.
Mr Hancock, 68, MP for Portsmouth South, is understood to have agreed to pay the single mother thousands of pounds and meet her legal costs.
Hampshire police looked into the allegations but decided not to pursue any charges after arresting Mr Hancock in 2010.
However the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, took the highly unusual step of bringing an action against him in the High Court and had sought £50,000 in damages.
The case was due to start tomorrow but has been withdrawn because the two sides are having private discussions to confirm a settlement, which could involve Mr Hancock, who in January resigned the Liberal Democrat whip over the allegations, making an apology in the High Court.
Mike remains in hospital with complications due to his recent heart operation and a related severe depressive disorder
The woman, who has mental health problems, turned to him for help over housing difficulties in Portsmouth but claimed the married MP then sought a sexual relationship with her against her wishes.
He has consistently denied the allegations but the woman produced texts he sent her including one which read: “Please give me a chance ... you never know my princess xxx.”
Nigel Pascoe, QC, who wrote a report on the claims for Portsmouth City Council, where Mr Hancock had been a councillor, said in his conclusion: “In my view these text messages support the allegations of XX [the woman] that MH (Mike Hancock) sought to pursue a sexual relation with her, whilst showing her affection at the same time. Making full allowances for the disclosed mental history of XX, I have no doubt that she has provided before me compelling prima facie evidence of serious and unwelcome sexual behaviour carried out towards her by Mr Hancock.”
The woman is being represented by solicitor Harriet Wistrich, who issued a statement saying: “The parties have been in negotiations and have agreed to vacate the trial date.”
In the local elections for Portsmouth City Council last month Mr Hancock lost his seat in Fratton ward which he had held for more than 40 years. He stood as an independent and came third to Ukip’s candidate, Julie Swan.
Mr Hancock, who has been an MP since 1984, now sits as an independent in the Commons but it is not clear whether he will stand in the 2015 election. Earlier this year he was admitted to hospital for treatment and last month his constituency office issued a statement saying: “Mike remains in hospital with complications due to his recent heart operation and a related severe depressive disorder.
“His Portsmouth and House of Commons offices remain open and are dealing with his work.”
On Friday Mr Hancock’s 37-year-old pipe-fitter son Dean was convicted of headbutting Daily Express photographer Steve Reigate, who had gone to his home in Fareham, Hampshire, in January after the MP resigned the Lib Dem whip. He will be sentenced later this month.