Former newspaper boss on trial for sex offences

Former newspaper proprietor Eddie Shah appeared at the 
Old Bailey yesterday charged with sexual offences against a schoolgirl.

Shah, 68, was remanded on bail to an adjourned plea and further hearing on 7 December.

His barrister, John Kelsey-Fry, indicated that the charges would be contested.

Shah, of Chippenham, Wiltshire, faces six counts of rape involving a girl under 16 during the 1990s.

Shah, who appeared under his real name of Selim Shah, founded the now-defunct Today newspaper in 1986 after clashes with unions and was the first person to invoke Margaret Thatcher’s anti-union laws.

He now runs golf courses, leisure centres and hotels.

Shah appeared in court with Anthony Pallant, 52, of West Malling, Kent, who is charged with raping the girl twice.

The charges were not put to him but he pleaded not guilty to four counts of indecent assault.

Susan Davies, 52, of Swanley, Kent, pleaded not guilty to indecent assault and other allegations involving the child.

A trial is due to take place next year.