A former frontman of the iconic 80s band Spandau Ballet is standing trial accused of serious sexual offences against two women, with a jury hearing he believed he could get "sex on demand".
The Allegations in Court
Ross Davidson, a 37-year-old musical theatre actor and singer who performed under the stage name Ross Wild, has pleaded not guilty to a series of charges. The prosecution at Wood Green Crown Court outlined that Davidson is accused of raping one woman in March 2015 and sexually assaulting and attempting to rape another in December 2019.
Prosecutor Richard Hearnden told the jury that Davidson, who starred in the Queen musical We Will Rock You and performed with Spandau Ballet in 2018, was seen as a "sex symbol". Hearnden stated: "He is handsome and athletic. He sings, plays the guitar, and is said to be charming and charismatic. But there are two women who say that he has a much darker side that they did not notice, at least at first."
The Prosecution's Case
The court was told that the Aberdeen-born performer, who lives in Finchley, north London, is alleged to have filmed himself groping one of the women. He has pleaded guilty to a separate charge of voyeurism relating to an incident in December 2019 involving the same complainant.
Hearnden argued that the case challenges the assumption that attractive, charismatic men do not need to force themselves on women. "It is because Ross Davidson expects to get sex on demand that he will resort to rape and sexual assault if he is not given what he thinks he deserves," the prosecutor alleged.
One woman told the court that during the alleged 2015 rape in London, she felt "scared, intimidated and helpless". She stated that Davidson was "so much stronger than she was" and that she "felt concerned for her safety".
The Defence's Position
Defence barrister Charlotte Newell KC presented a contrasting account to the jury. Regarding the rape allegation, she said Davidson would testify that "there was no sex at all with her in London as he was not sexually attracted to her – and that may be disappointing or upsetting – but in reality there was no spark for him."
Davidson has formally entered not guilty pleas to the charges of rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault. The trial is ongoing as the court examines the detailed evidence from both sides.
