A Tory MP’s aide has appeared in court accused of raping a woman in the Houses of Parliament.
Sam Armstrong, who has been suspended as chief of staff to South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay, appeared at Westminster magistrates court on Friday charged with two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by penetration.
The 23-year-old, of Danbury, Essex, allegedly raped and sexually assaulted the woman in an office in the Norman Shaw north building on the parliamentary estate on 14 October 2016.
Armstrong spoke only to confirm his name and address. Chief magistrate Emma Arbuthnot adjourned the case to 28 April at Southwark crown court.
Armstrong was released on bail on condition that he did not enter the Palace of Westminster or contact the alleged victim.
