Crispin Odey has been accused of rape in a civil lawsuit in the latest and most serious claim to be made against the prominent City financier.
The allegation came to light on Thursday when the high court in London heard an application to decide whether three women could join two others in a legal action alleging misconduct by the founder of Odey Asset Management.
Odey, who left OAM last year amid allegations that he sexually assaulted or harassed a number of women, has previously denied any misconduct.
Civil lawsuits had already been issued at the high court by two women alleging they were sexually assaulted and suing Odey and OAM.
On Thursday, Elizabeth-Anne Gumbel KC, the barrister representing the three new claimants, argued to the court that their cases were similar and all five should be heard together.
The high court heard that one of the women claims she was raped by Odey in the 1990s at his home. According to Gumbel’s written submissions lodged for the hearing, Odey “reappeared in a dressing gown before raping the fifth claimant”.
In written arguments to the high court, Odey’s barrister said of the woman alleging rape that the financier had “not received any documents related to that claim except for a letter of claim”.
Gumbel’s written arguments claim there was “considerable overlap” and “numerous similarities” in the facts alleged in the existing two claims and the three new cases.
Lawyers for Odey, however, argued that the women’s claims should not be heard together as the alleged sexual assaults took place on “vastly different dates in completely different circumstances”.
Michael Kent KC, representing Odey, said in court that the cases were “entirely separate” and “the mere fact it is the same defendant” was not a sufficient reason for them to be considered together.
The judge, Lisa Sullivan, ruled that the claims of the three women should not be dealt with at the same time as that brought by the other two and said the lawsuits must be filed individually.
It is now expected that the five women will sue separately.
The court hearing comes after allegations published last year by the Financial Times, with Tortoise Media, which reported allegations of sexual assault and harassment against Odey from 20 women.
The allegations led to the City of London financier being removed from his hedge fund business and in October last year OAM announced it was closing.
In June last year, Odey said the allegations had not been proved in court and he had done nothing illegal. “I have been cross-examined by the [Financial Conduct Authority],” he said. “The one thing I have not been is hiding anything. I have kept everybody apprised of any accusations.”
Last June, Odey, 64, claimed the FT report was a “rehash” of previous reporting, and said the allegations within it were either untrue, or that his relations with women had at the time been “consensual”.
Gardner Leader, the law firm representing Odey in the civil case and Odey have been contacted for comment.
Claire Glasgow, the director in the personal injury team at the law firm FieldFisher, representing the women, said the court hearing had been about the court’s management of the claims going towards trial.
“Although they will be issued on five separate claim forms, the [court] endorsed a pragmatic approach and confirmed that the cases will indeed be run together and likely be heard by the same judge when the time comes,” she said.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
