Prince Andrew could go to trial in sexual abuse case next year, judge says

Prince Andrew, accused of alleged sexual abuse 0:51

(CNN) – A federal judge in Manhattan said Britain’s Prince Andrew could face a trial date between September and December 2022 in a civil case involving a woman suing him for allegedly sexually abusing her as a minor.

Federal District Judge Lewis Kaplan said during a state conference Wednesday that due to the pandemic, it is difficult to set an exact date for the trial due to problems accommodating jurors safely.

Britain’s Prince Andrew attends the ceremonial procession for Prince Philip’s funeral to St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, England, on April 17.

The case involves a woman named Virginia Giuffre, who alleges that she was trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein and forced to have sex with her friends, including the prince.

Giuffre alleged that the attacks occurred in London, New York and the US Virgin Islands, and that Andrés knew she was 17 years old when the alleged incidents began.

The Rise and Fall of Jeffrey Epstein 4:41

In a motion to dismiss filed on October 29, an attorney for Andrés said he “unequivocally denies Giuffre’s false accusations against him.”

There may be between 16 and 24 witnesses deposed by both sides in the case, some of whom are British nationals, said attorney David Boies, representing Giuffre, and attorney Andrew Brettler, representing the prince, during the conference call on Wednesday.

Giuffre’s lawyers are expected to respond to Andrés’ motion to dismiss before November 29, and the prince’s lawyers can respond before December 13.

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