A leading London financier faces a driving ban just a few weeks after the collapse of his hedge fund amid sexual assault allegations.
Crispin Odey, 64, was forced out of Odey Asset Management, the City firm he founded, after a series of women came forward to accuse him of sexual misconduct and harassment. Last month, it was announced the hedge fund — which had around £3.6 billion in assets prior to the scandal — would be wound down.
Odey himself is now facing new legal difficulties after he was caught speeding through London in a Range Rover twice in the space of six weeks. Court papers reveal he already has nine penalty points on his licence, and after admitting two new charges he is likely to face a six-month road ban.
The sexual allegations against Odey broke in June after the Financial Times and Tortoise Media revealed they had spoken to 13 women who claimed they were abused or harassed while working for — or having professional dealings — with Odey. He was swiftly ousted from the hedge fund he founded in 1991. In 2021, he was found not guilty in a court case in which he was accused of an indecent assault that allegedly happened in 1998.
Odey has denied the sexual allegations. The Financial Conduct Authority launched an investigation into whether he is a “fit and proper person” to work in financial services.
The first speeding offence was committed on April 15 on the A3 through Putney Heath, when a police officer recorded Odey driving at 62mph in a 40mph zone. A fixed penalty fine was initially sent to Odey’s Chelsea home, but the case moved to a full prosecution when police noticed he already has points on his licence.
The second offence happened on May 31 when Odey was driving at 28mph along the 20mph Chelsea embankment. The two cases were initially dealt with behind closed doors via single justice procedure but they have now been adjourned for an open court hearing at Lavender Hill magistrates court on December 1.
