Restaurateur Vikas Nath on Trial for Spiking Drink with Date-Rape Drug

Vikas Nath, a 63-year-old restaurateur known for his Michelin-starred establishments in the UK and Spain, is currently on trial at Southwark Crown Court for spiking a woman's drink with gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), a substance classified as a date-rape drug. The incident occurred on January 15, 2024, at Annabel's, an exclusive private members' club in Mayfair, London. Nath was observed using a straw to add GBL to the woman's spicy margarita while she was momentarily away from the table. Quick-thinking staff at the club intervened, replacing the spiked drink with a fresh one before the woman could consume it.

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During the trial, Nath admitted to spiking the drink but claimed his intention was to help the woman "relax" rather than to facilitate sexual activity. He stated, “What I did was wrong and I regret it very deeply,” but denied any intent to "stupefy and overpower" her. Nath explained that he had previously used GBL, believing it to be a cleaning fluid for his BMW i8, and had been informed by a friend that it could be consumed with alcohol as a relaxant.

Restaurateur accused of spiking woman’s drink with date-rape drug tells jury he was ‘wrong’

Staff members at Annabel's noticed Nath's suspicious behavior, including dipping a straw into a small bottle he had retrieved from his pocket. They alerted senior management, who reviewed CCTV footage and subsequently warned the woman about the potential tampering of her drink. Prosecutor Tim Clark KC noted that Nath attempted to dispose of the evidence by throwing the GBL bottle into a toilet cistern as police were called to the scene. The bottle was later recovered, containing traces of GBL.

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Evidence presented in court included text messages Nath exchanged with a friend prior to the incident, indicating his frustration over the lack of sexual progress with the woman. He wrote, “I’m at Annabel’s. This is probably the last evening with [her]. She ain’t biting,” to which his friend responded, “Action time I hope.” This exchange has raised questions regarding his intentions on the night of the incident.

Annabel's Mayfair restauranteur on trial over date-rape drug

The woman involved described Nath as initially caring and generous, recalling that he had previously warned her about the dangers of drink spiking. After being informed of the incident, she expressed disbelief, stating, “I remember vividly defending Mr. Nath, saying 'There is no way he could do that.'” She later acknowledged her shock upon learning of his actions.

Who is Vikas Nath? Indian restaurant owner, 63, admits to spiking woman's drink with ‘date-rape drug’ at London club

Nath has denied charges of attempting to administer a substance with intent and possession of a Class B drug. He claimed during police interviews that he was unaware of the legality of possessing GBL and attributed his actions to a mental health crisis stemming from his divorce.

Annabel's Mayfair restauranteur on trial over date-rape drug

While Nath admits to spiking the drink, he maintains that there was no sexual intent involved. The prosecution argues that his prior communications and actions suggest otherwise. The trial continues, with further evidence and testimonies expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Annabel's Mayfair restauranteur on trial over date-rape drug

• “What I did was wrong and I regret it very deeply.” — Vikas Nath, Restaurateur

Restaurateur accused of spiking woman’s drink with date-rape drug tells jury he was ‘wrong’

• “Due to the actions of quick-thinking staff, the spiked drink was retrieved, and [she] was warned.” — Tim Clark KC, Prosecutor

Restaurateur ‘spiked woman’s drink with date-rape drug in Annabel’s’

• “I remember vividly defending Mr Nath, saying 'There is no way he could do that'.” — Victim

Who is Vikas Nath? Indian restaurant owner, 63, admits to spiking woman's drink with ‘date-rape drug’ at London club

The case highlights serious concerns regarding drink spiking and the responsibilities of individuals in social settings, particularly within exclusive venues.

Indian Restaurateur Admits To Spiking Woman’s Drink But Claims It Was Only To “Relax” Her!