Summary
Our client was facing six charges relating to rape and sexual assault which he completely denied. Partner Paul Dillon represented our client on a privately funded basis, who was ultimately found not guilty of all charges after a 10-day trial.
Details of the Case
The complainant and our client had been friends as teenagers and agreed to meet up for dinner and drinks. This was their first time seeing each other in over 17 years. Over the course of the evening, the two visited multiple bars and consumed several alcoholic drinks before returning to the complainant’s hotel together.
At the hotel, the complainant stated that she had been very drunk and not fully in control of her actions. She claimed that despite this, our client engaged in sexual intercourse with her without her consent. Despite telling him to stop on multiple occasions, he continued regardless.
During his police interview, our client provided a prepared statement completely denying the allegations against him. While he accepted that the two had engaged in sexual intercourse, he maintained that it was all consensual and that he had reason to believe that she was consenting throughout.
Our Defence
Our client was later charged with three counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and one count of assault by penetration. Following his police interview, our client chose to instruct Partner Paul Dillon on a privately funded basis due to Paul’s expertise in defending cases involving serious allegations of sexual assault.
Our client maintained that when in the complainant’s hotel room, the two had kissed consensually and had then had consensual intercourse. He stated that although the two had both consumed alcohol, every sexual act that occurred that night was participated in willingly and enthusiastically by both parties.
Given the severity of the allegations, our client was at risk of significant consequences if he was found guilty at trial. For the allegations of rape, he could face in he region of seven years’ imprisonment and up to 4 years’ imprisonment for assault by penetration.
Court
Our client’s case was heard at Southwark Crown Court, where he was represented by Barrister Brian St. Louis KC of 15NBS Chambers.
Throughout the trial, it was clear that the complainant’s version of events was inconsistent and reliable due to gaps in her memory. In contrast, our client provided a clear and consistent account.
After a 10-day trial, the jury ultimately returned unanimous not guilty verdicts in relation to all six charges. Our client was extremely pleased with this outcome given the potential penalties he was facing and was extremely grateful to both Paul and Brian for all their support.
Without Paul’s expertise, our client may have faced a very different outcome. This case is a clear example as to the importance of seeking representation from experienced and respected criminal defence experts.
Have you been accused of a similar charge?
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