Prince Andrew sex allegations: US lawyer Alan Dershowitz also named in case begins legal battle to clear his name

The former Harvard law professor called the allegations against him 'absolutely outrageous'

Alan Dershowitz discussed the allegations levelled against him during an interview at his home in Miami on Monday (Reuters) (Reuters)

The American lawyer accused of having sex with an underage girl in the case that also names Prince Andrew has begun legal action to clear his name.

Alan Dershowitz, 76, filed court papers in Florida – where the case against financier Jeffery Epstein is being heard – contesting what he describes as “absolutely outrageous claims”.

The successful lawyer, who represented a number of high-profile clients including OJ Simpson, appeared on US television show Today yesterday claiming he did not know the alleged victim Jane Doe #3, now named as Virginia Roberts, now 30.

Mr Dershowitz, a former Harvard law professor, has asked for his name to be removed from documents which allege that he and Prince Andrew of sexual relations with Ms Roberts, who was under the US age of consent at the time of the alleged assaults.

Prior to filing the papers, Mr Dershowitz told the BBC: "My goal is to bring charges against the client and require her to speak in court. If she believes she has been hurt by me and Prince Andrew, she should be suing us for damages.

"I welcome that lawsuit. I welcome any opportunity that would put her under oath and require her to state under oath these false allegations."

Ms Roberts and her lawyers, Brad Edwards and Paul Cassell, challenged Mr Dershowitz to produce evidence contesting their story.

The claims made against Mr Dershowitz involving the Duke of York originate from a case against convicted sex offender billionaire Epstein.

The former teacher-turned-financier is accused in a US lawsuit of sex trafficking and providing girls for the rich and powerful – among them , according to a motion filed on behalf of Ms Roberts, the Prince.

Buckingham Palace has consistently denied the Prince had any sexual relationship with then teenage Ms Roberts between 1999 and 2002.