In the summer of last year a number of lurid allegations were made by Byline Times about Dan Wootton of a sexual nature including allegations of criminal behaviour. Wootton accepted he had made some “errors of judgement” though he always denied any criminality. A complaint was made to the Metropolitan Police and an investigation commenced, in addition News UK began its own internal investigation covering his period under their employ. Guido understands that earlier this week the Metropolitan Police decided that no further action would follow their five month investigation. Despite the lengthy investigation Wootton was never arrested or charged.

The allegations and a disastrous interview with Laurence Fox resulted in him being taken off air by GB News. It is worth noting that the Guardian and Mirror have both pulled articles offline based on the Byline stories. Other publications and broadcasters did not report the story. Wootton has lawyered up against Byline News and a number of media figures have since thought it wise to delete their tweets on the subject. Dan always said it was a smear campaign. Looks like the police think so too.

UPDATE:  Dan has just issued a statement:

I was brought up to trust in the English legal system; to believe in freedom, due process, natural justice and the rule of law – the right of every man or woman to a fair trial, and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law.

But since July 2023, I was the victim of a politically-motivated witch hunt through the left-wing and social media led by a hard left activist, a convicted phone hacker, a convicted extortionist, and a deranged an abusive ex who had threatened on the record to slit my throat and previously admitted to being a psychopath with dark urges.

The accusations made against me were completely spurious – lies designed to destroy my career where complainants were actuated by malice.

Well six months on, I have now been completely cleared in two investigations by the Metropolitan and Scottish Police, who have confirmed they will be taking no further action.

While I knew this would always be the outcome, the process is now the punishment, with social media acting as the executioner.

Margaret Thatcher once said that if you ever get trial by media, or guilt by accusation, that day freedom dies.

She was right. It is high time that all of our ancient rights were once again upheld, chief among them the right to be presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.

If it falls to me to be the champion of those rights, then so be it. It is a fight I am more than willing to take up, not just for me but for all of us.