The celebrity publicist Max Clifford 'used his position of power' to force a teenage girl into performing a sex act on him, a court has heard
Former celebrity publicist Max Clifford 'used his position of power' to 'humiliate' a teenage girl into performing a sex act on him, a court was told.
The 73-year-old is accused of assaulting the 17-year-old at his Mayfair offices in New Bond Street between October 1981 and May 1982.
He allegedly locked the girl in his office and forced her to engage in a sexual act with him, a jury at Southwark Crown Court in London was told. When there was a knock on the door he apparently put his finger to his lips to try to keep her quiet, it is claimed.
Prosecutor Rosina Cottage QC said he 'used his position of power' to 'embarrass' and 'humiliate' the young victim.
“The defendant is a sexual bully who took advantage of his position of power over the youth of the victim to engage in sexual activity she made it plain she did not want to do,” she added.
“The defendant ignored her wishes and persisted in his actions, knowing she did not consent.”
He apparently left 'explicit' Polaroid photographs of women on his desk for the teenager to see.
“Many displayed a man’s hand which she believed was the defendant,” Ms Cottage added. “Clearly they were there for her to see.”
Clifford, formerly of Hersham, Surrey, is charged under Operation Yewtree, the Met Police investigation set up in the wake of the Jimmy Savile scandal.
Some of the biggest names in show business, including pop mogul Simon Cowell, late reality TV star Jade Goody and boxer Muhammad Ali, were represented by Clifford during his career, which spanned more than 40 years.
Clifford appeared in the dock wearing a blue suit, white shirt, blue and red spotted tie and glasses, with a beard, and followed proceedings through a hearing loop.
He denies indecent assault.
The trial continues.
