Jeffrey Epstein accusers vent their anger at 'coward' in court hearing
One woman tells a New York court that Epstein "showed what a depraved and cowardly human being he was by taking his own life".
Tuesday 27 August 2019 19:55, UK
Women who say they were sexually abused by the late US financier Jeffrey Epstein have told a court in New York that he was a "depraved and cowardly human being" and that he eats away at their souls.
One of Epstein's accusers, Courtney Wild, says she was abused by him at the age of 14.
She told the court she feels "very angry and sad" that he killed himself before going on trial for alleged sex trafficking, adding that "justice has never been served in this case".
Ms Wild was one of more than 20 women who spoke during a hearing called to decide whether charges against Epstein should be dropped now he is deceased.
Another accuser, Sarah Ransome, said Epstein "showed the world what a depraved and cowardly human being he was by taking his own life".
Chauntae Davies said she will "not let him win in death".
Jennifer Araoz said: "The fact that I will never have a chance to face my predator in court eats away at my soul."
Epstein, 66, was arrested on 6 July and pleaded not guilty to federal charges of sex trafficking involving dozens of girls as young as 14.
He was found dead in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Lower Manhattan on 10 August.
District Judge Richard Berman said Epstein's suicide was a "stunning turn of events" and that his accusers had been included in the hearing "because of their relevant experiences".
According to a post-mortem, Epstein hanged himself.
But during Tuesday's hearing, one of his lawyers, Martin Weinberg, challenged that ruling.
He said an expert hired by the defence thought broken bones in Epstein's neck were "more consistent with pressure... with homicide" than suicide.
Mr Weinberg told the judge: "Find out what happened to our client. We're quite angry."
It has emerged that Epstein signed a will just two days before his death, placing all his property, worth more than £469m, in a trust, according to the Reuters news agency.
Sarah Ransome, who said Epstein pressured her into unwanted sex when she was in her early 20s, encouraged prosecutors to bring others to justice, saying: "Finish what you started. We are survivors and the pursuit of justice should not abate."
Prince Andrew, who was a friend of Epstein's, has said he did not "see, witness or suspect any behaviour of the sort that subsequently led to his arrest and conviction".