Laurence Fox has firmly denied allegations that he shared a compromising photograph of television personality Narinder Kaur with the intent to cause her distress or humiliation. The 47-year-old defendant, who resides in Peldon, Essex, appeared at Woolwich Crown Court for a case management hearing where he was formally arraigned on a single charge.
The Charge and Court Appearance
The charge against Fox relates to an incident in April 2024, when he is alleged to have posted an intimate image of Mrs Kaur on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The specific offence falls under section 66A of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, which criminalises the intentional sharing of a sexual image without consent to cause alarm, distress, humiliation, or for sexual gratification—commonly referred to as 'cyber flashing'.
Arriving at court in casual attire—jeans, trainers, a grey shirt, a checkered blazer, a 'Two Tier' baseball cap, and a hooded Carhartt jacket—Fox pleaded not guilty. He later left the court in pouring rain, wearing sunglasses and appearing to smoke a cigarillo, a smaller type of cigar.
Legal Proceedings and Trial Date
A provisional trial has been scheduled for December 2027, with an estimated duration of four days. However, defence counsel Sarah Forshaw KC has requested the court to explore the possibility of an earlier date. Judge Christopher Grout acknowledged the regrettable delay, citing the court's busy schedule, but assured that efforts would be made to communicate any earlier trial opportunities to Fox's legal team.
Narinder Kaur, a regular panellist on shows like Good Morning Britain and Jeremy Vine and a former GB News contributor, has waived her right to anonymity as the victim in this sexual offence case. This move allows her identity to be publicly disclosed in relation to the proceedings.
Background and Legal Context
Fox, once a successful actor known for his role as James Hathaway in ITV's drama series Lewis, has transitioned to online activism in recent years. His career shift has been marked by controversy, including his dismissal from GB News in October 2023 following an on-air rant about journalist Ava Evans.
The charge under section 66A is part of broader legal efforts to combat digital sexual offences. Introduced in 2023, this legislation addresses cyber flashing, while related laws, such as the 2019 offence for upskirting—taking pictures under someone's clothes without permission—highlight ongoing concerns. Offenders convicted under these statutes can face up to two years in prison and placement on the sex offenders' register.
Police confirmed that Fox was charged in connection with an image posted on social media in April 2024, emphasising the seriousness of the allegation. As the case progresses, it underscores the evolving legal landscape surrounding online behaviour and privacy rights in the digital age.
