Ex-Spandau Ballet Singer Faces Trial for Alleged Assault in Thailand

A former lead singer of the band Spandau Ballet, Ross Davidson, faces serious charges including rape and attempted rape following an alleged incident in Thailand. According to testimony presented at Wood Green Crown Court, a woman, who remains unnamed due to legal restrictions, described a distressing encounter with Davidson in a hotel room.

The incident reportedly took place after the pair had consensual sex the previous night. The woman testified that she awoke to find Davidson attempting to engage in sexual activity without her consent and without protection. She expressed feelings of naivety and trust, believing that her boundaries would be respected.

During her police interview, the woman recounted waking up to a “dangerous situation,” stating that Davidson appeared surprised she had regained consciousness. She described his demeanor as “weird” and felt a sense of fear regarding his potential actions. To defuse the situation, she spoke calmly, expressing her need for consent and highlighting that he was not wearing a condom. Davidson’s initial tension reportedly eased as she reassured him that she would not overreact.

In her testimony, she recalled Davidson thanking her for being “cool about it,” a moment that heightened her discomfort. She described a chilling fear, stating, “I thought ‘oh my God’, I might die.” The woman had previously described the incident as disempowering, especially after learning that a video of her, taken while she was unresponsive, existed on Davidson’s mobile phone.

The prosecution revealed that Davidson had filmed himself groping the woman during the alleged assault. The woman stated that discovering the footage was a significant violation, making her feel vulnerable. She questioned how consent could be given if someone is asleep, emphasizing there was no benefit or pleasure in the situation.

Davidson, 37, originally from Finchley, north London, has a history in the performing arts, having starred in the Queen-based West End musical We Will Rock You and performed with Spandau Ballet. He has denied all allegations, including a previous charge of rape related to an incident in London in March 2015.

Defence counsel Charlotte Newell KC emphasized that Davidson’s position is that there was no sexual attraction or encounter in London, asserting that the touching in Thailand was consensual. Newell stated that Davidson contends the woman was pretending to be asleep during the alleged incident.

The trial continues, with jurors tasked with evaluating the credibility of the testimonies and the evidence presented. The case highlights ongoing discussions about consent and accountability in sexual encounters, particularly in the context of intoxication and vulnerability.