Purley developer cleared of rape after celebrity party

2:05pm Tuesday 13th January 2009

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A wealthy Purley property developer who claimed he snorted cocaine with Calum Best on the night he was accused of raping a pretty clubber has been cleared of any wrongdoing.

Charles Chauhan, 48, of Foxley Lane, told jurors he was joined by the celebrity son of late football legend George for a party at his [Mr Chauhan's] Belgravia apartment on the night of the incident.

Earlier, the court heard how Chauhan had used his influence to get the alleged victim and her friends into the exclusive Mayfair club Maddox which is frequented by stars including Peaches Geldof and Jordan.

But the 23-year-old Lithuanian woman claimed she suffered a blackout and woke up "really shocked" at the Eaton Place address to find Chauhan having sex with her.

But a jury at Southwark Crown Court yesterday unanimously cleared Mr Chauhan of rape on November 9, 2007.

The businessman had boasted of a jet-set lifestyle and long-term relationships with both a champion showjumper and a Russian model.

Mr Chauhan said there was “no doubt” the young woman was awake as they fondled each other but claimed he had been physically incapable of having sex.

Earlier in Maddox his group had ordered £400 rounds and staged "hottest dancer" contests.

He added: “Calum Best came over. We had met a few times at different functions. Pretty much we were the last people to leave. Calum came back with some people.

“There was a big chunk of cocaine and my friend was breaking off lumps and put some in the lounge and some in the kitchen”.

"Sooner or later throughout the evening everybody had some.”