Summary
In 2018, our client was accused of two counts of historical rape on a child under the age of 13, occurring between 2005 and 2009. Our client pleaded not guilty to both charges and after a six-year ordeal, was acquitted of both charges following expert defence work at Basildon Crown Court.
In Depth
Our client was accused of rape by two younger cousins allegedly when they were visiting for family gatherings as children. These allegations shocked and devasted our client, who denied them completely. He agreed that his cousin’s chaotic upbringing may have led them to suffer abuse elsewhere, but they were confused and mistaken in accusing him.
Under the expert guidance of highly experienced Legal Executive Nicola Hobdell, our team gathered extensive evidence regarding the dates and attendees of the family gatherings and dates when our client was immobolised due to a medical operation. These contradicted and undermined the dates given by the complainants as to when the assaults were alleged to have taken place, and further evidence such as photos and character references were also gathered.
Our client was represented by Barrister Richard Paton-Philip of 9BR Chambers for the six-day trial at Basildon Crown Court, commencing in November 2024. The prosecution team provided no evidence in respect to the first count as the statement from one of the complainants was deemed so inconsistent with a previous account given.
In turn, our team presented the considerable evidence we had collated in our client’s defence. After a six-day trial, our client was found not guilty and was acquitted of both charges.
Thanks to our expert defence, our client avoided a substantial custodial sentence. Our client was relieved to be able to finally put this difficult period behind him after such an extended period and was extremely grateful to Nicola and all of the team for all their support and dedication.
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