Lawyer calls for ‘calm and considered’ response to abuse allegations against Al Fayed

A lawyer representing Mohamed Al Fayed’s alleged victims has called for a calm and considered approach in resolving personal injury claims, to “guarantee justice for women injured for so many years”.

Mr Al Fayed, the former owner of Harrods and Fulham FC who died last year aged 94, is accused of multiple sexual assaults after a BBC investigation was published last month.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed they are investigating a number of new allegations made against Mr Al Fayed, in addition to previous reports.

On Wednesday, Claire Glasgow, a personal injury lawyer at Fieldfisher, urged women considering making claims against Mr Al Fayed for sexual abuse to take a “calm and considered approach” in the way they are handled.

She said: “It may seem easy to get caught up in the current furor around the accusations against Mr Al Fayed, not least because a deceased person cannot be defamed, but the correct processes must be followed to ensure justice be returned to the women injured for so many years. .”

Ms Glasgow represents a number of women in claims against Mr Al Fayed and is also currently pursuing similar cases against other high-profile figures.

She told the PA news agency: “These types of personal injury claims require careful assessment and are dependent on a detailed fact-checking and evidence-gathering process. You can’t rush them.

“It is also important to understand that there is generally a three-year statute of limitations from the date of the assault until a claim is filed, although there may be exceptions.

She advised anyone considering coming forward to check that their case is being processed on a “no win, no fee” basis.

They should be protected from paying legal fees as part of any settlement, with the defendant covering the costs in addition to damages, she said.

Ms Glasgow also urged all alleged victims to think carefully about the implications of waiving their right to anonymity.

She said: “Anyone considering making a complaint should also think seriously about whether they really want to give up their anonymity.

“In the UK, any potential victim of rape or sexual assault is automatically given anonymity, so their name is not made public.

“If someone chooses to give up that anonymity, that’s not something you can take away. This means that if the details of what happened are later heard in court, the person’s name will also be read and possibly reported in the press.”

Harrods responded to the BBC documentary broadcast on September 19 with a statement on its website saying the company was “totally appalled” by the abuse allegations and inviting alleged victims to complete a compensation claim form.

The statement said: “While we cannot undo the past, we are determined to do the right thing as an organization, guided by the values ​​we stand for today, while ensuring that a such behavior can never be repeated in the future. »

Ms Glasgow said: “While it is good to see Harrods taking responsibility for the harm caused, the process cannot be on Harrods’ terms and must align with women’s legal rights, including their right to choose their own legal aid and claim reimbursement of their fee. the costs of this.

“A robust system needs to be put in place with Harrods, perhaps involving a victims’ fund, so that everyone is properly protected.”

Scotland Yard previously said it would carry out “full reviews of all existing allegations” of assault incidents said to have taken place between 1979 and 2013, to ensure there were “no new leads”. investigation based on new information that has emerged.”

The Met said it was contacting lawyers representing the alleged victims to “ensure they have the opportunity to speak with us and report any offending”.