john-leslieFormer Blue Peter presenter John Leslie, who was cleared by a jury for raping a 23 year old actress “without a stain on his character” back in 2003, was arrested last night over an alleged attack at his home 13 years ago.

Angry John Leslie yesterday said yesterday that new rape allegations against him as the “mother of all stitch -ups”.

A Metropolitan Police’s spokesperson said last night:

“We are investigating an allegation of rape and indecent assault on a woman. The allegation dates from November 1995. At approximately 7pm this evening a man aged in his 40s attended a London police station by appointment and was arrested in connection with the inquiry. He was interviewed and has been bailed pending further enquiries to a date in August.”

John Leslie’s full statement:

Yesterday I attended Teddington police station by appointment. I was arrested on suspicion of a crime that was allegedly committed in 1995. I was interviewed for 30 minutes and released on bail.

Five years ago I helped the police complete a thorough investigation into malicious claims against me.

As I was found innocent on all charges, I had hoped that the police would have been able to conduct their investigation in confidence, and that I would not be prejudged.

Regrettably, as has happened in the past, the details of a private police inquiry have been leaked to the press, and once again I face trial by media.

It is thus with a mixture of anger and distress that I am forced yet again to talk about lies about my private life, lies that destroyed my public career in 2003 and which now threaten the private life which I have been happy to lead since then.

I am accused of attacking a person 13 years ago. I do not even know who this person is. I am asked to recall events from one night in November 1995. I defy anyone to remember what they were doing 13 years ago on a particular night. However I certainly did not attack this person as I have never attacked anyone. The accusation is totally untrue.

When, I ask, is this nightmare going to end? If it is considered acceptable to launch an investigation after 13 years, then why not 20 or 30 years?

There was open season on me in 2003. I was subjected to an eight month police inquiry, I was pilloried in the press.

Finally, in October 2003, I was told by a Southwark Crown Court judge that I left the courtroom completely innocent and without a stain on my character.

Now, five years later, it all starts again. Another person, protected by the anonymity that the law gives them, is able to drag my name through the mud.

My mother and father are beside themselves with worry. So, if I sound bitter, it is because I am. There is little justice and no fairness in what I and my family have been and are being put through.

We don’t like this guy, but 13 years??? if this is true then why leave it 13 years to come forward and say anything about it.