Former US Air Force pilot found not guilty of drugging and assaulting schoolgirl, 9, outside Harrods

The incident allegedly occurred on April 22 when the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, became separated from her family during a trip from France.

Prussak was accused of approaching the child outside the luxury department store in Knightsbridge.

According to court proceedings, Prussak allegedly walked the girl to his flat and gave her water that tasted bitter.

The court heard this water contained the antihistamine Benadryl, which left the child feeling tired.

It was further alleged that Prussak then took the girl to Hyde Park and sexually assaulted her.

The former pilot was arrested later that day after he and the girl were spotted near the Israeli embassy by a Metropolitan Police officer.

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Harrods department store

PA

When searched, Prussak reportedly told Sergeant Edward Lucas: “I was just trying to help her out”.

During the trial at Isleworth Crown Court, Prussak denied all charges against him.

The jury deliberated for just over an hour on Monday before asking if there was any DNA evidence of the sexual assault.

Judge Edward Connell informed them there was not.

Harrods

PA

Prussak was ultimately found not guilty of three counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, one count of kidnapping, one count of committing an offence of kidnapping with intent to commit a sexual offence, and one count of administering a substance with intent.

The former pilot broke down in the dock as he was acquitted with Judge Connell then telling Prussak he was free to go.