Tech businessman Lawrence Jones charged with rape and sexual assault

Jones is due to appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on January 21, police said.
UKFast
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The former boss of an internet technology firm has been charged with rape and sexual assault.

Lawrence Jones, 52, of Brooks Drive, Hale Barns, had been charged with one count of rape and four counts of sexual assault following reports made in 2019, Greater Manchester Police said.

The offences are alleged to have taken place in 2010 and 2013.

Mr Jones stood down from web-hosting business UKFast in 2019.

He was made an MBE in 2015 for services to the digital economy and was a guest at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Mr Jones is due to appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on January 21.

In a statement he said: “Approximately eighteen months ago, I contacted the police and was interviewed voluntarily because I became aware of rumours circulating about me that although false were extremely damaging.  

"I have fully co-operated with the police throughout, and am determined to ensure that my name is cleared. In the circumstances, at this time it would not be appropriate to say any more, other than to state clearly that I did not do what is being alleged.”

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