A civil servant who played a key role in the Hutton inquiry appeared at the Old Bailey today accused of raping a woman in the Lord Chancellor's office.
Michael Burrell, 34, allegedly attacked her on the floor of Lord Falconer's Government chambers after a party to mark the start of the legal year.
Burrell, of The Pasture, Crawley, is accused of rape and indecent assault between September 28 and October 1, 2003.
Dressed in a dark suit, white shirt and tie, he confirmed his name at the brief preliminary hearing with the words: "I am."
Balding Burrell, who wore glasses and sported a goatee beard, will next appear for a plea and directions hearing on June 23.
Judge David Stokes, QC, continued Burrell's bail with conditions of residence at three homes including one in Yorkshire.
He is also banned from contacting the complainant and entering parts of London.
Burrell, a Press officer for the Department for Constitutional Affairs and spokesman on the Hutton inquiry, worked at Lord Falconer's offices in Victoria, central London.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article