A former frontman of the iconic 80s band Spandau Ballet is facing serious criminal charges at a London court. Ross Davidson, who performed under the stage name Ross Wild, stands accused of rape and sexual assault against two women.
Allegations of a 'Darker Side'
The jury at Wood Green Crown Court was told that the 37-year-old performer from Finchley, north London, believed he could get "sex on demand". Prosecutor Richard Hearnden outlined the case, stating that while Davidson was seen as a "handsome and athletic" sex symbol, two women allege he showed a much darker side.
Davidson, an Aberdeen-born musical theatre actor and aspiring songwriter, has pleaded not guilty to the rape of a woman in March 2015. He has also denied one count of attempted rape and one of sexual assault relating to a second woman in December 2019.
Voyeurism Charge Admitted
The court heard that Davidson has, however, pleaded guilty to a charge of voyeurism in December 2019 against the same second woman. This admission forms part of the complex case being presented to the jury.
Prosecutor Hearnden argued that the defendant's charismatic public persona masked his alleged actions. "Men such as the defendant, it is often supposed, can get any girl he wants without having to resort to committing sexual offences... Yet, the reality belies that supposition," he told the court.
Victim's Account and Defence Response
The woman who alleges she was raped in London in 2015 told the court she felt "scared, intimidated and helpless" during the incident. She stated that "he was so much stronger than she was" and that she feared for her safety.
Defence barrister Charlotte Newell KC presented a different account on behalf of Davidson. Regarding the 2015 allegation, she said: "He will say there was no sex at all with her in London as he was not sexually attracted to her – and that may be disappointing or upsetting – but in reality there was no spark for him."
Davidson, who starred in the Queen musical We Will Rock You in the West End and performed with Spandau Ballet in 2018, is now at the centre of a trial that continues to unfold. The case continues at Wood Green Crown Court.
