The American neighbor of British billionaire Philip Green is set to testify she saw him ‘mauling’ a fitness instructor with his ‘octopus-like hand’ at his upcoming sex assault trial.
Kimberley Khoury has been named by prosecutors after the Topshop boss was accused of ‘repeatedly fondling’ the bottom of pilates coach Katie Surridge, 38, and making sexual comments towards her even after being told to stop.
Green, charged with four counts of assault, has hired several high profile attorneys to defend the case including the lawyer who succeeded in getting sexual assault charges dropped against the actor Kevin Spacey.
Khoury, 55, who lives a few doors down from Green at the pricey Canyon Ranch health club in Tucson, Arizona, told The Telegraph in February she saw Green repeatedly ‘fondling’ married Surridge’s bottom.
She is said to be the only independent witness to the alleged incident and has now been called by prosecutors, along with two police officers, according to documents filed at Pima County Justice Court.
Khoury said in February she ‘did not think it was ok for her to be mauled like that’, adding: ‘I could see his hand touching her buttocks.’
Philip Green is accused of ‘repeatedly fondling’ the bottom of Pilates coach Katie Surridge, 38, pictured, and making sexual comments towards her even after being told to stop
Philip Green is charged with four counts of assault relating to Surridge’s allegations
Court documents read: ‘The State of Arizona… hereby submits a list of people that it intends to call at trial. The State reserves the right to disclose additional witnesses if they become material.’
Khoury told The Telegraph: ‘He didn’t just do it once, it wasn’t just like a pat on the butt – which would be bad enough – he would pat her butt and then feel her butt and then he’d move his hand away, and Katie would try to move a little, and then he did it again, and then he did it again. It was bizarre really.
‘She’s a wife and a mother and she doesn’t deserve that.’
Khoury told police Green had an ‘octopus-like hand’, according to records. She claims to have reported his alleged behavior to ranch management.
Since the charges were announced, other women working at a spa in Canyon Ranch have come forward to accuse Green of inappropriate behavior.
In July, Jennifer McAmis, a 30-year-old fitness instructor, claimed she had to wear extra layers of clothing because Sir Philip was so ‘grabby’.
At least one more worker has also made official complaints about his behavior, it is understood.
Green still owns a luxury mansion near to the spa resort, but has been banned from using either the spa and gym.
He was absent from court in August following a successful appeal by his lawyers to prevent an appearance. Ms Surridge made an appearance at Pima County Justice Court in Tucson, Arizona with her husband and legal team to listen to the short hearing.
Another court date, at which evidence may be brought, has been set for October 23.
Khoury lives a few doors down from Green at the Canyon Ranch health club in Tucson, Arizona
Khoury, 55, said in February she saw Green repeatedly ‘fondling’ Surridge’s, pictured, bottom
Speaking after police launched their investigation, Ms Surridge accused Sir Philip of ‘hiding behind expensive lawyers’.
‘Sir Philip needs to come to the US and face up to what he did,’ the mother of three told the Telegraph.
It is believed prosecutors may offer the billionaire a plea deal in return for an admission of guilt, with each of the four counts carrying up to 30 days imprisonment.
However the consequences of a guilty plea may reach further, and could pressure the UK government into stripping Green of his knighthood.