Kevin Spacey was this morning granted unconditional bail at a magistrates court hearing in Westminster, London, as the case against him was referred to Southwark Crown Court. Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikran said he did not believe Spacey, appearing under his full name Kevin Spacey Fowler, posed a flight risk and was therefore free to move freely in the run up to his trial.
Natalie Dawson, prosecuting the case for the Crown, had requested Spacey should surrender his travel documents and passport to ensure that the US citizen does not leave the UK.
Addressing Spacey, Deputy Chief Magistrate Ikran said: “You have co-operated, I’m told, and this has not been at all challenged by the Crown [Prosecution Service], with the authorities in New York and you have voluntarily attended these proceedings today. Indeed, I withdrew the warrant that was issued for your arrest because it was unnecessary. I’ve not been persuaded, bearing in mind, all that I have heard about you that you will fail to surrender, which is the real concern.”
Mr. Spacey also needed to travel to attend auditions, while his life was largely based in the United States, Mr. Gibbs said. That included “his 9-year-old dog,” Mr. Gibbs added.
Kevin Spacey is being represented by Patrick Gibbs QC, who has represented many high profile clients in the UK.
Following the bail order, Spacey was led out of Court One and waited with his legal team to meet with them in Consultation Room 2.
Today’s was was the first, mainly procedural stage in what will most likely be a lengthy criminal proceeding.
The case will be sent to a crown court, which deals with more serious cases, where Mr. Spacey will make his first appearance next month. An actual trial will probably not occur for some time because of a severe backlog in Britain’s judicial system.
Patrick Gibbs, Mr. Spacey’s legal representative, told the court that Mr. Spacey denied all of the charges and was determined to prove his innocence.
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