A former Labour Member of Parliament is scheduled to appear before magistrates next month after prosecutors authorised a sexual assault charge following a police investigation.
Conor McGinn, 41, will attend Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, February 27, to face one count of sexual assault. The charge relates to an allegation made by a woman concerning an incident in July 2022.
Mr McGinn served as the Labour MP for St Helens North throughout a nine-year parliamentary career between 2015 and 2024. He represented the Merseyside constituency until standing down at the general election.
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed it had authorised the charge following an investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Police into the July 2022 allegation. Prosecutors reviewed evidence gathered during the inquiry before determining sufficient grounds existed to proceed with criminal proceedings.
Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Jessica Walker stated that prosecutors worked to establish there was sufficient evidence to bring the charge to court and that it was in the public interest to do so. She confirmed the CPS worked closely with the Metropolitan Police throughout their investigation.
The prosecution service issued a reminder that criminal proceedings are now active and that the defendant holds the right to a fair trial. Officials warned against any reporting, commentary or online information sharing that could prejudice the proceedings.
The court hearing will take place four years after the alleged incident and nearly two years after the complaint was initially made to police. Mr McGinn left Parliament following the July 2024 general election after representing St Helens North for three consecutive terms.
The case will be heard at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, which handles preliminary hearings for criminal cases in central London. Depending on the outcome of the initial appearance, the matter may be referred to a higher court for trial.
