January 29, 2016 – Dough Richards, of Islington, North London, who featured in the film Dragon’s Den, has been acquitted of child sex offence after admitting having sex with an underage girl.
He was acquitted by the court of three counts of sexual activity with a child, one of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and of paying for sexual services.
Richards (57) had sex with a 13 year old girl he met online, believing she was 17 years.
The American millionaire said they exchanged “sexy chat” online and engaged in 50 Shades of Grey-style fantasy role play after she travelled from her home in Norwich to meet him in January last year.
He also admitted giving the girl and a friend who accompanied her £60 each in cash, which he said is gift and not payment for sex. The court has also heard that he made two £120 deposits into her PayPal accounts to cover their travel expenses and pre-booked an apartment in London.
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