Victorian MP Will Fowles was arrested as part of police investigation into alleged sexual assault
A disgraced MP has been arrested by police over allegations he sexually assaulted a woman, which he has denied, as investigations continue.
A Victorian MP who was kicked out of the parliamentary Labor Party after allegations he assaulted a woman has been arrested by police over the alleged incident.
Former Ringwood MP Will Fowles was stood down in August after the office of the then Premier Daniel Andrews had received information from a government employee about an alleged serious assault by the disgraced politician.
Victoria Police spokesman confirmed on Tuesday Sexual Crimes Squad detectives had executed a warrant at a Ringwood address on October 12 as part of an ongoing investigation into an incident in the Melbourne CBD.
Mr Fowles, 45, was arrested at the property and interviewed by police.
“He was released without charge pending further inquiries,” the spokesman said.
“As the investigation is ongoing and given the sensitive nature of the matter, we will not be commenting further at this time.”
It’s understood the allegations against Mr Fowles relate to an incident alleged to have occurred at Melbourne CBD hotel.
Mr Fowles had been drinking at the bar in parliament before going to the hotel.
In August, after the alleged incident, Mr Andrews said he had “sought and received the Member’s resignation from the parliamentary Labor Party.”
“The wellbeing of staff and their right to a safe workplace isn’t negotiable.”
The incident was referred to police by the premier’s office following an internal investigation about the allegations.
Mr Fowles has denied the allegations.
In September he announced he would not attend parliamentary sittings until the conclusion of a police investigation.
Mr Fowles’ office has been contacted on Tuesday for comment.
Mr Fowles was elected to the seat of Ringwood, in eastern Melbourne, in 2018.
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