Newspaper founder Eddy Shah facing Old Bailey trial over schoolgirl rape allegation

Eddy Shah was arrested by the Metropolitan Police in relation to allegations of sex with an underage girl (REX FEATURES)

A jury panel was chosen today in the rape trial of former newspaper proprietor Eddy Shah at the Old Bailey.

The potential jurors were sent away until Wednesday when the trial is due to open.

Shah, 69, of Chippenham, Wiltshire, denies raping a girl under 16 during the 1990s.

Shah and a man and woman are accused of sex offences against the girl between the ages of 12 and 15.

Anthony Pallant, 53, of West Malling, Kent, denies rape and indecent assault.

Susan Davies, 53, of Swanley, Kent, denies indecent assault, aiding and abetting rape and child cruelty.

Shah, who is charged under his birth name of Selim Shah, founded the now-defunct Today newspaper in 1986.

After clashes with unions he was the first person to invoke Margaret Thatcher's anti-union laws.

He now owns and runs golf courses, leisure centres and hotels.

PA