Former Pilot Acquitted of Kidnapping and Sexual Assault Charges Involving Nine-Year-Old Girl

An ex-US Air Force pilot, who faced accusations of abducting a nine-year-old girl near Harrods and subsequently sexually assaulting her, has been acquitted. Robert Prussak encountered the girl at the department store in central London on 22 April, after she became separated from her family while on a visit from France. He subsequently escorted her to his residence and was accused of providing her with water that tasted bitter, which was alleged to contain the antihistamine Benadryl and reportedly caused her fatigue, according to testimony presented in court. The 57-year-old individual, who has no fixed address, was exonerated of these charges at Isleworth Crown Court on Tuesday. Allegations stated that the pilot transported the girl from the flat to Hyde Park, where he sexually assaulted her. Mr. Prussak’s arrest occurred later that same day, following his and the girl’s sighting near the Israeli embassy by a Metropolitan Police officer who had received notification of her disappearance. During a search, he stated, “I was just trying to help her out,” as reported by Sgt Edward Lucas. Mr. Prussak had consistently denied all accusations brought against him. Judge Edward Connell informed Mr. Prussak, who became emotional in the dock upon his acquittal, that he was at liberty to leave. The jury had inquired about the existence of any DNA evidence pertaining to the sexual assault approximately an hour after commencing deliberations on Monday, to which the judge responded negatively. Mr. Prussak was declared not guilty on three charges of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13. Additionally, he was cleared of one charge of kidnapping, one charge of committing a kidnapping offense with the intention of perpetrating a sexual offense, and one charge of administering a substance with intent. On Tuesday, the Metropolitan Police apprehended a 57-year-old male at Isleworth Crown Court on suspicion of possessing illicit images of children. He was transported to a police station and continues to be held in custody. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.