A court hearing has revealed distressing details as Lady Emily Davey recounted her experience of alleged stalking by Inigo Rowland, a former member of the Liberal Democrat party. The incident reportedly took place at the family’s home in Kingston and Surbiton, where Rowland is accused of attempting to enter the property on multiple occasions between June 1 and October 1, 2023. He faces charges of stalking without violence and harassment against Lady Davey.
During the proceedings at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court, Lady Davey described a particularly alarming moment when she felt compelled to seek refuge in the bathroom. “I sat on the loo and started praying,” she testified, recalling how she heard Rowland shouting at the carers of her son, John, who has severe disabilities. The situation escalated as Rowland allegedly approached their home, prompting Lady Davey to fear for the safety of her children, John and their daughter, Ellie, who was just 11 at the time.
Lady Davey explained that Rowland had previously shown up at their residence and had made repeated requests to speak with her husband, Sir Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats. The court heard that Rowland’s behaviour became increasingly erratic, culminating in incidents where he would approach the family and ask intrusive questions about their home and Sir Ed’s whereabouts.
Sir Ed Davey, present in the public gallery during the testimony, is a prominent figure in UK politics and has served as the MP for Kingston and Surbiton. His wife’s account painted a picture of a family struggling to maintain their privacy amidst unwelcome intrusions. “When someone comes to your home and decides to start on at your home, it’s a very different story,” Lady Davey stated. “Those carers and my children didn’t sign up for a career in politics and they don’t deserve this.”
The court was informed that Lady Davey first encountered Rowland at a public meeting held at Surbiton Library on February 6, 2023. This meeting aimed to discuss service charges for tenants, but Rowland instead used the opportunity to voice complaints about Sir Ed. “He was the only person to attend the meeting and, instead of asking about the charge, complained about my husband,” she recounted.
On another occasion, during a packed meeting at the council offices, Rowland allegedly made inappropriate comments about women. Lady Davey noted that Rowland was persistent in his complaints, indicating a determined personality that made interactions difficult.
The court proceedings also highlighted Lady Davey’s challenges in handling Rowland’s advances due to societal expectations. “Because of my husband’s position, and because of my position, and because I’m too polite, I don’t swear – I can’t just tell him to get lost,” she explained.
In the latest development, Rowland, who was present in court wearing a grey knitted jumper, has previously admitted to possessing a flick knife in Kingston on October 6, 2023. As the trial continues, the Davey family remains under scrutiny, grappling with the impact of these troubling events on their lives and well-being.
The case underscores the serious implications of stalking and harassment, particularly for public figures and their families. Lady Davey’s testimony serves as a reminder of the distressing realities faced by individuals when their private lives become entangled with public scrutiny and unwanted attention.
