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Daily Mirror
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Tom Davidson

Prince Andrew accuser says he should panic as Ghislaine Maxwell 'will take plea deal'

Prince Andrew's accuser says the Duke 'should be panicking' as she believes recently-arrested Ghislaine Maxwell 'will take a plea deal'.

Brit Maxwell was arrested by the FBI in New Hampshire last week.

She appeared in court in the US on Thursday accused of helping disgraced financier  Jeffrey Epstein  'identify, befriend and groom' multiple girls, including one as young as 14. 

Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who claims she was trafficked by the financier, alleges Prince Andrew had sex with her on three separate occasions, including when she was 17, still a minor under US law.

The duke categorically denies he had any form of sexual contact or relationship with Ms Giuffre.

Prince Andrew next to his one-time friend Ghislaine Maxwell (Getty)

 

In an interview with 60 Minutes Ms Guiffre said: "Prince Andrew should be panicking at the moment because Ghislaine doesn't really care about anyone else but Ghislaine.

"I think he would be quite shook up."

In a photo thought to have been taken in 2001 the Duke of York has his arm around Ms Giuffre's midriff with Maxwell smiling in the background.

Prince Andrew, Virginia Robert and Ghislaine Maxwell (REX/Shutterstock)

 

Prince Andrew has attempted to distance himself from the photo and previously claimed it could have been doctored.

The arrest of Maxwell has piled more pressure on US authorities to question, as a potential witness, the duke about his friendship with Epstein, who killed himself last August before facing trial on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges.

Andrew has previously claimed he has offered two times to be a witness in the case and has said he is willing to co-operate.

But US prosecutors say he has declined their request to schedule an interview.

Prince Andrew and Ghislaine Maxwell in September 2000 (Camera Press)

On Maxwell, Ms Guiffre added: "She ruined so many lives. She belongs in jail. You want to hurt kids? That's where you go."

Epstein was charged with several child sex offences before his suicide in jail awaiting trial last year.

Despite Epstein being dead and Maxwell now in custody, Ms Guiffre still thinks there are more people culpable.

She said: "There were so many women in Epstein's organization that participated, who procured and who benefited from his sickness. 

"I think Jeffrey was dirty, was sick. He was a pedophile.

"Ghislaine, she is the wicked one, and these women with her, they deserve the same punishment. They should be taken down as well."

Jeffrey Epstein took his own life while awaiting trial for child sex offences (REUTERS)

The Government are hoping Prince Andrew will speak directly to the FBI over his links to Maxwell avoiding a diplomatic standoff with America.

Ministers are fearful if the Duke of York does not comply voluntarily, they will be forced to intervene.

Home Secretary Priti Patel has been landed with the potentially explosive demand from US prosecutors who last month submitted a formal request for the Andrew to be interviewed.

They are wanting to speak with him about his friendship with Epstein.

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) request to the British government hoping to force Andrew into providing a statement or submitting to an interview.

Prince Andrew's accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre says he should be panicking (BBC)
Prince Andrew during his disastrous Newsnight interview on his friendship with Epstein (BBC)

The request was made as part of an agreement allowing the U.S. to seek help from the British authorities in legal or criminal matters.

According to reports, the Government are keen for the matter to be resolved by the FBI and the Duke saving the government from any intervention.

No decision had been made yet over the American's request, which was filed last month.

He would either be asked to voluntarily attend an interview and give a signed statement although not be under oath or appear at magistrates in London to provide oral or written evidence on oath.

Unlike the Queen, the father-of-two does not hold sovereign immunity from prosecution.

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