US judge rules against Prince Andrew sex abuse claims

Judge Kenneth Marra in Miami court says ‘lurid’ claims unnecessary to decide civil case

Sex abuse claims by a woman against the UK’s Duke of York will not be heard in a civil court case after a judge ruled against its inclusion in official papers.

Prince Andrew was named in a lawsuit against the wealthy financier Jeffrey Epstein, who still faces claims by two other women - named as Jane Doe No 1 and Jane Doe No 2.

However, Tuesday's developments in Miami have put an end to allegations against Prince Andrew made by Virginia Roberts (Jane Doe 3).

Claims made by another woman, Jane Doe 4, which did not name Andrew, were also struck out.

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They said they were among dozens of women sexually abused by Epstein as teenagers at locations ranging from a Palm Beach mansion to a private Caribbean island to a sprawling New Mexico ranch.

But Judge Kenneth Marra said the "lurid" claims were "unnecessary" to decide the civil case.

Federal prosecutors in the US opposed allowing the pair to join the lawsuit, which was filed in 2008, and Judge Marra agreed.

“Justice does not require amendment in this instance,” the judge wrote.

Prince Andrew (54), has vehemently denied the claims and Buckingham Palace has stated they are “false and without foundation”.

Press Association