French Prosecutors Seek British Witness in Matthews Rape Investigation
French judicial authorities are seeking to interview a British woman as part of their ongoing rape investigation into David Matthews, the father-in-law of Pippa Middleton, according to information obtained by The Mail on Sunday. The 81-year-old former racing driver and entrepreneur faces serious allegations dating back to the late 1990s.
Details of the Allegations and Investigation
David Matthews stands accused of grooming and assaulting a 15-year-old British girl on the French Caribbean island of St Barts in 1998, followed by an alleged rape in Paris the subsequent year. The alleged victim, now in her forties and protected by legal anonymity, first confided in her parents about the ordeal three years prior to the investigation becoming public.
France has formally requested assistance from the British Home Office to arrange an interview with a woman who is not the victim but is considered a potential witness in the case. A source within the Paris prosecutor's office confirmed that "the judicial investigation is ongoing" and that "requests for international assistance are under way with the British authorities."
Legal Proceedings and Timeline
Matthews was arrested eight years ago at Paris Orly airport upon arrival from St Barts, where he and his 77-year-old wife Jane own the luxury Eden Rock resort. He was formally charged with "rape of a minor by a person with authority over his victim," an offense carrying a maximum fifteen-year prison sentence under French law.
The investigation has experienced significant delays, partly attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, though the precise reasons for its prolonged duration remain unclear. French sources indicate prosecutors appear determined to conclude the case this year, with a new female investigating judge appointed last September who has reportedly "instilled the investigation with new impetus."
Statute of Limitations and Denials
At the time of Matthews' arrest, the statute of limitations for rape prosecutions in France was twenty years, which could have rendered the charges inadmissible. However, in 2018, the limit was extended to thirty years for cases involving victims under eighteen, potentially allowing the case to proceed.
Matthews has consistently and strenuously denied all allegations through his representatives. A spokesman previously stated he "categorically denies the allegation and unequivocally contests the untrue and scandalous accusation." A family source suggested after the arrest that Matthews had been "set up" to humiliate him and his family, particularly following his financier son James' high-profile marriage to Pippa Middleton in 2017.
Family Background and Context
The Matthews family has experienced previous public scrutiny, primarily through younger son Spencer Matthews, who gained notoriety for boasting about drug use, orgies, and numerous sexual partners during his time on the reality television show Made In Chelsea. In contrast, David Matthews is a self-made entrepreneur from humble beginnings as the son of a Yorkshire coal miner, now holding the title Laird of Glen Affric and maintaining properties in London, France, and St Barts.
The alleged victim's father previously told The Mail on Sunday that his daughter was deeply hurt by suggestions she might be fabricating the allegations, stating "The idea that she is doing this for compensation, or for any other reason than a desire for justice, is completely wrong." He added that the family fully supports her and believes her account, noting that speaking out has provided her with some sense of closure.
A spokesman for David Matthews declined to comment on the latest developments regarding the witness interview request.
