London Firearms Sergeant Accused of Sexual Assault in City Cocktail Bar
A City of London Police firearms sergeant allegedly told a fellow officer 'good girl' after sexually assaulting her in a Square Mile cocktail bar, according to testimony heard at Inner London Crown Court. Sergeant Constandino Simeonidis, 55, is accused of grabbing the woman's bottom from behind, pulling down her tights, and carrying out a sexual assault during a social occasion in 2022.
Alleged Incident Details and Victim's Account
The prosecutor, Edmund Blackman, stated that the woman was standing at the bar when she felt a hand touch her bottom and go between her legs. She shuffled away, hearing Simeonidis say 'good girl' in reference to her. The assault allegedly escalated with Simeonidis tugging on her tights, breaking the elastic, and touching her vagina. The woman reported feeling 'disgusting, embarrassed, and humiliated' afterward, leading her to leave the bar immediately.
Despite consuming alcohol earlier in the day, including white wine, a tequila shot, and limoncello, the woman had switched to water by the time of the alleged assault. Blackman noted that prior to the incident, Simeonidis had expressed liking for the woman, and they were conversing in a manner 'more than just friends'.
Delayed Reporting and Defendant's Denial
The victim initially chose not to report the incident due to fears of not being believed and because Simeonidis was 'well thought of' by colleagues. However, after confiding in a friend, she made a formal report to police in March 2023. When questioned, Simeonidis denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the woman had been 'extremely flirtatious' and that all physical contact was consensual. He specifically denied touching her vagina during the alleged second part of the assault.
Simeonidis, from Milton Keynes, faces charges of sexual assault and sexual assault by penetration, which he denies. The trial is ongoing, with further proceedings expected to unfold in court.
