Max Clifford ‘disgusted’ at paedophile claims

Publicist Max Clifford told police it was “revolting” to be accused of being a paedophile when he was first questioned over allegations of indecently assaulting a teenage girl, a court has heard.

Publicist Max Clifford. Picture: PA

Jurors at London’s Southwark Crown Court were read extracts from police interviews after Clifford, 70, was arrested in December 2012 and February last year.

Earlier, the court heard from a woman who claimed that Clifford exposed himself to her when she was a 16-year-old aspiring model, promising her a role in a film alongside Blade Runner actor Rutger Hauer.

Jurors were told that, when questioned by police about a letter he received in recent years from one of his alleged victims, Clifford said he received many “nasty letters” due to his job. He told officers: “I’ve received letters about controversial things, when I was involved in OJ Simpson and Guantanamo Bay.

“It’s the first one I’ve ever received accusing me of being a paedophile. It’s disgusting and totally without any foundation at all. I didn’t abuse this girl.”

Jurors heard that Clifford, who denies the charges, claimed he had exposed paedophiles, such as former pop star Gary Glitter, during his career.

Asked why the letter was in his bedside drawer, Clifford said it was so he could show his wife.

The court heard that Clifford went on to tell police he had “no recollection” of meeting the teenager in Torremolinos, Spain, in 1977, but admitted going on holiday to the resort.

Four charges relate to the woman. She said he would visit her home and tell her parents he could make her a star, then took her out in his car and abused her.

The trial continues.