Summary
Our client was accused of rape by his ex-partner, which he firmly denied. Partner Dawn McKnight was instructed to carry out pre-charge engagement on a privately funded basis. Thanks to the strength of the representations presented to the police, our client’s matter resulted in no further action.
Details of the Case
Prior to the allegations, the complainant and our client were in a relationship for over four years and were engaged to be married. The complainant alleged that, while the two were staying in separate hotel rooms, our client entered her room and engaged in sexual intercourse without her consent.
During his police station interview our client was represented by the duty solicitor, where he completely denied all the allegations. Although he accepted that the two had engaged in sexual intercourse in the night in question, he maintained that it was entirely consensual.
Prior to this rape allegation, the complainant had made another report about our client regarding coercive and controlling behaviour, which was ultimately no further actioned. Within this report, there had been no mention of rape or any non-consensual sexual activity.
Our Defence
Following his police interview, our client chose to instruct Partner Dawn McKnight on a privately funded basis due to Lawtons’ expertise in engaging in pre-charge engagement for complex and high-stakes cases.
Our client stated that he believed that the complainant had fabricated the allegations as a means to intimidate him and ruin his good character following the deterioration of their relationship,
As part of these pre-charge representations, Dawn submitted a detailed letter of representations to the police outlining our client’s position and corroborating his defence.
No Further Action
The police investigation was ongoing for over a year, during which our client was extremely distressed given the seriousness of the allegation and the potential consequences for his future.
Rape is a very serious offence under UK law and given the circumstances of the allegation, our client was at risk of a prison sentence ranging up to 7 years should the matter proceed to court.
Thanks to the strength of Dawn’s representations, our client’s matter was ultimately refused charge by the CPS and resulted in no further action. Our client was extremely grateful for all Dawn’s assistance, without which he likely would have faced court proceedings and a potential prison sentence.
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