Pippa Middleton’s father-in-law, David Matthews, arrested and accused of raping a minor

THE 74-year-old dad of Made in Chelsea’s Spencer Matthews, is said to have carried out the attack between 1998 and 1999, while on a luxury Caribbean island.

PIPPA MIDDLETON’S father-in-law has been held on suspicion of historic rapes of a minor.

Millionaire hotel boss David Matthews, 74, faced court on Thursday after cops stopped him at Paris airport.

The ‘attack’ is alleged to have happened on the exclusive French Island of St Barts — where he owns a £5,000-a-night hotel.

Multi-millionaire David Matthews, 74, has lived with wife Jane on the Caribbean retreat for more than 20 years.

He was seized by cops from France’s child protection unit at Paris Orly Airport on Tuesday over two historic rape allegations.

After 48 hours in custody Mr Matthews — dad to Pippa’s husband James, 42, and I’m A Celebrity star Spencer, 29 — then appeared at the city’s Palais de Justice on Thursday and was later charged with the rape of minor.

Mr Matthews strenuously denies all the allegations.

David and Jane Matthews, attend the wedding of Pippa Middleton and their son James Matthews. Picture: Justin Tallis/AFP

The authorities now have six months to decide if he will be brought to trial.

Mr Matthews was released on bail, with a number of conditions which were not disclosed by French authorities. A Paris judicial official said: “I confirm that David M was placed in police custody on March 27 at the Brigade for the Protection of Minors.

“The Paris public prosecutor’s office opened a judicial investigation, overlooked by an examining magistrate, who charged him with the rape of a minor.

“He was placed under judicial supervision. The investigation alleges that the crimes were committed in 1998 and 1999.

“The investigations will now continue as a judicial investigation and will be led by an investigating judge.” The swoop came as Mr Matthews arrived in Paris on his way to the South of France.

It follows a police probe which began last September.

Pippa Middleton and James Matthews, with David Matthews following behind leave church following their wedding ceremony. Picture: Justin Tallis/Getty Images

Pippa Middleton and James Matthews at a friend’s wedding. Picture: Shutterstock/ Splash News

One of the alleged offences is said to have taken place in 1998 on St Barts. The other alleged attack is said to have taken place in Paris the following year. Mr Matthews, a self-made millionaire, owns the Eden Rock hotel on St Barts. Socialite Pippa, 34, and hedge fund manager hubby James have been regular visitors.

It has featured in numerous magazine and newspaper travel sections and has attracted celebrity guests including Tom Hanks, Sir Elton John, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Reality star Spencer has also been pictured holidaying there with pals and girlfriends.

The resort was ravaged by Hurricane Irma, which hit the Caribbean last September and is now being renovated.

Mr Matthews and wife Jane, 70, moved to St Barts in 1995 after buying Eden Rock from adventurer Rémy de Haenen.

Eden Rock Hotel St Barths French West Indies, where one of the two attacks is alleged to have taken place. Picture: Alamy

The clifftop resort, which had just 34 guest rooms with access to pristine beaches and luxury gardens, was voted the best hotel in the world by Conde Nast Traveller readers in 2016.

James Matthews and Pippa first met on St Barts in 2006 before they started dating regularly in 2014. Eden Rock then quickly became one of the Middleton family’s favourite holiday spots, with Pippa and James spotted relaxing there.

Pippa’s sister Kate Middleton has also stayed at the hotel.

Mr Matthews was born near Rotherham and started work as a mechanic before taking up motor racing in his early 20s.

He was forced to retire due to injuries in 1973 and transformed a used-car firm into a multi-million business.

The firm was later taken over and allowed Mr Matthews, second wife Jane, a Zimbabwean-born artist, and their sons a comfortable upbringing.

This story originally appeared on The Sun and is republished here with permission.