Jailed Ghislaine Maxwell believes the drugs death of a key prosecution witness ‘significantly’ increases her chances of walking free, sources claim.
The former socialite, 61, who is serving 20 years in a US prison after being convicted on sex trafficking charges, is currently appealing against her sentence.
It emerged earlier this month that one of four victims who testified against her in court, mother-of-five Carolyn Andriano, had died of a drugs overdose in a Florida hotel room.
The 36-year-old suffered a fentanyl and prescription drugs overdose in May, but her death was only made public in recent days.
She had claimed to be drug-free when she testified during Maxwell’s 2021 criminal trial.
The former socialite, 61, who is serving 20 years in a US prison after being convicted on sex trafficking charges, is currently appealing against her sentence
A source said: ‘Carolyn’s death could be hugely significant because if Ghislaine is granted the right to a new trial there will be a huge legal argument about whether Carolyn’s previous testimony is admissible. This has significantly boosted Ghislaine’s chances of gaining her freedom.’
While Ms Andriano took the stand anonymously – giving powerful testimony that she was groomed by Maxwell at 14 and abused by paedophile Jeffrey Epstein more than 100 times –she waived her anonymity after the case in an interview with the .
She claimed Prince Andrew’s accuser Virginia Roberts told her about the alleged sexual encounter at the time, as well as showing her the infamous photo of the pair at Maxwell’s London home.
Mother-of-five Carolyn Andriano claimed Prince Andrew’s accuser Virginia Roberts told her about the alleged sexual encounter at the time, as well as showing her this infamous photo of the pair at Maxwell’s London home
Andrew reached a reported $12million (£10million) out-of-court settlement with Ms Roberts in a US civil case, but made no admission of liability. He has repeatedly and vehemently denied all charges against him.
Maxwell’s lawyers will seek to capitalise on the death of Ms Andriano when her appeal comes to court which could be as early as December.
The source added: ‘There is no doubt Carolyn had a tragic life. She was abused by Epstein and other men. Her drug use could become a huge issue. She claimed to be sober when she gave evidence. It’s significant because at least one of the jurors said her testimony convinced them to convict Ghislaine.’