Judge Rejects Fox's Bid to Dismiss Upskirting Charges
Laurence Fox's legal attempt to have criminal charges against him thrown out has been rejected at Woolwich Crown Court today. The actor-turned-commentator faced an abuse-of-process hearing where his legal team argued that complainant Narinder Kaur was seeking 'notoriety' through the courts.
The 46-year-old appeared before Judge C Grout, seeking dismissal of a Section 66A charge relating to intentionally sharing an image of a person's genitals. This concerns an allegedly upskirting photograph taken without Ms Kaur's knowledge or consent as she exited a taxi in 2009, which Fox reportedly reshared from his X account in 2024.
Legal Battle Over 'Circus Platform' Allegations
During the heated hearing, Fox's barrister Sarah Forshaw KC launched a vigorous attack on the case, describing it as a 'circus that is being deliberately stage-managed by the complainant.' She accused Ms Kaur of misusing the criminal justice process 'for notoriety' and 'to remain relevant and in the public eye.'
Ms Forshaw claimed the defence had established that 'at least 8 people on Twitter reposted that old image before Mr Fox on 30 April 2024.' She argued that allowing the case to continue would create 'an embarrassing spectacle' and 'undermine public confidence in our justice system.'
The barrister further questioned whether the original 2009 image represented 'an accidental or a deliberate wardrobe failure by the complainant,' noting that Ms Kaur had subsequently reposted the image herself, thereby 'focusing the spotlight' on her.
Prosecution Defends Integrity of Case
Prosecutor Louise Oakley countered these claims, stating unequivocally that 'this is not a prosecution that is allowing their complainant to bring the courts into disrepute.' She emphasised that Ms Kaur 'has had any involvement in the charging decision' and that this was 'a prosecution by the state not by Narinder Kaur.'
Ms Oakley stressed that the prosecution was 'not encouraged by her celebrity status or by Mr Fox celebrity status,' confirming that both the evidential test and public interest considerations had been properly assessed.
Judge's Ruling and Future Proceedings
In his ruling, Judge Grout determined that 'the key aspects of this case are not in dispute' and that he was 'satisfied that as things stand at the moment Mr Fox can have a fair trial.' The judge ordered the case to proceed to trial in December 2027.
Judge Grout issued a warning about public commentary on the case, stating: 'If this behaviour continues a renewed application of stay from Mr Fox may well be considered.'
Following the hearing, Ms Kaur expressed gratitude for the judge's decision, telling reporters: 'I'm thankful for the judge's decision today to allow this to continue to trial. I stand in solidarity with all victims, who are navigating the backlogs within our under-resourced justice system.'
The 53-year-old complainant, who has waived her legal right to anonymity, attended court with her husband, Jatinder Punia, though she was not present in the courtroom during the hearing itself.
Fox, who arrived wearing a dark jacket over a white shirt, sat silently behind his legal team as the ruling was delivered. The former Lewis actor has reinvented himself as a right-wing commentator and Reclaim Party founder following his acting career, which included roles in Gosford Park and his marriage to actress Billie Piper.
