Claire Glasgow calls for calm, considered approach to Al Fayed sexual assault claims
With so much information circulating in the media currently around years of alleged sexual assault by former Harrods owner Mohammed Al Fayed, Claire Glasgow was widely quoted in press stories as she highlighted the need for robust processes around such civil claims for personal injury.
Claire spoke to the Press Association to raise her concerns that to ensure victims receive justice and appropriate compensation for their injuries, any claims against Mr Fayed must be handled properly.
Claire currently represents two women in claims against Mr Fayed and is also representing claimants against financier Crispin Odey and actor Kevin Spacey.
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Ms Glasgow told the PA news agency: “These types of personal injury claims require careful assessment and depend on a detailed process of fact-checking and evidence gathering. You can’t rush them.
“It’s also important to understand that generally there is a three-year limitation period from the date of the assault to starting a claim, although there can be exceptions.”
She advised anyone considering coming forward to check that their case is run on a “no-win, no-fee basis”.
They should be protected from paying legal fees out of any settlement, with the defendant covering the costs on top of damages, she said.
Ms Glasgow also urged any alleged victims to consider carefully the implications of waiving their right to anonymity.
She said: “Anyone considering making a claim should also think hard about whether they actually want to waive their anonymity.
“In the UK, any potential victim of rape and sexual assault receives automatic anonymity, so that their name is not public.
“Should someone choose to waive that anonymity, it’s not something you can take back. That means if details of what happened are later heard in court, the person’s name will also be read out and potentially reported in the press.”
Ms Glasgow said: “While it is good to see Harrods taking responsibility for the harm caused, the process cannot be on Harrods’ terms and must align with the women’s legal rights, including their right to choose their own legal help and to claim back the costs of that.
“A robust system needs to be in place with Harrods, perhaps involving a victims’ fund, so that everyone is properly protected.”
The Met has said it was contacting lawyers representing alleged victims to “ensure they have the opportunity to speak with us and report any offences”.
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