Crispin Odey, the former chief executive of Odey Asset Management, has been found not guilty of indecent assault.
The allegations were brought by a young female banker who claimed that the high-profile fund manager “lunged at her” and groped her during a private meeting in his home in 1998.
Odey admitted to having made a pass at the woman, but denied having ‘lunged at her’.
Odey’s lawyer Crispin Aylett said: “It is not so easy to be consistent about the detail if it did not happen.
“[The complainant] is so determined to win this case that she will say anything to put this case in the best possible light.”
“It is a horrible slur and a great shame,” Odey added. “I’ve tried not to think about it but it’s very hard to bear.”
In his statement, judge Nicholas Rimmer said: “I […] find you not guilty. I acquit you and you will leave this courthouse with your good character intact.”
