Michelin-Star Restaurant Owner Found Guilty of Drugging Woman's Cocktail
An Indian-origin businessman and owner of several high-end restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Benares in London's exclusive Mayfair district, has been convicted of spiking a woman's cocktail with a date-rape drug. The incident occurred at the prestigious private members' club Annabel's, a venue frequented by celebrities and the elite.
Conviction and Courtroom Drama
Vikas Nath, a 63-year-old British citizen, was found guilty by a jury at Southwark Crown Court on Friday. He was convicted of administering gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) into the woman's "Spicy Margarita" with the clear intent of overpowering her for sexual purposes. Following the verdict, Judge Usha Karu immediately remanded Nath into custody, with sentencing scheduled for a later date.
Throughout the trial, Nath vehemently denied the charges of attempting to administer a substance with intent and possession of a controlled Class B drug. As the guilty verdicts were announced, he was heard muttering, "That's bullshit," expressing his disbelief and frustration at the outcome.
The Incident at Annabel's Club
The alarming events unfolded on the evening of January 15, 2024, at the rooftop garden bar of Annabel's. Alert staff members observed Nath using a straw to transfer liquid from a small bottle into the woman's drink while she was momentarily away from the table. Acting swiftly, they intervened to prevent her from consuming the tampered beverage.
The staff cleverly swapped the drink, preserving it for forensic analysis. Subsequent tests confirmed the presence of GBL, a potent substance known for its ability to incapacitate individuals who ingest it. Prosecutors detailed that Nath's plan was to drug the woman and transport her to his home for sex once she was rendered helpless or stupefied.
Police Investigation and Evidence
Police were summoned to the club at 7:41 PM. During their investigation, officers discovered a discarded bottle of Madagascan vanilla extract floating in a toilet cistern. Forensic examination revealed traces of GBL within the bottle, linking it directly to the crime. Nath was arrested at the scene and formally charged the following day.
CCTV footage played a crucial role in the case, capturing Nath removing a small bottle from his trouser pocket and using a straw to transfer liquid into the woman's drink on two separate occasions before visiting the toilet. This visual evidence provided undeniable proof of his actions.
Search of Residence and Further Discoveries
Officers conducted a search of Nath's upscale Knightsbridge home, where they uncovered two additional bottles of GBL hidden under his kitchen sink. More disturbingly, they found a motion-activated camera pointed directly at his bed, raising further questions about his intentions and behavior.
When questioned by detectives, Nath claimed he had obtained the GBL for cleaning the wheel rims of his BMW, an explanation that was met with skepticism given the context of the charges.
Background and Motive
The court heard that Nath had grown increasingly frustrated with the woman's reluctance to engage in sexual activity with him. In a twist of irony, the jury was presented with messages in which Nath had previously warned the woman about the dangers of drinks being spiked, highlighting a stark contradiction in his actions.
Although Nath admitted to spiking the woman's drink without her consent, he insisted his motive was merely to "relax" her, a defense that ultimately failed to sway the jury given the evidence of intent for sexual exploitation.
