Summary
Our client was facing two charges of indecent assault on a male person and indecency with a child. Partner Joanne Cestaro was instructed by our client on a privately funded basis, and thanks to Joanne’s prowess in criminal defence, our client was found unanimously not guilty on both counts.
Details of Case
The historic allegations were said to have happened at our client’s childhood home between 1996-1999, where our client was accused of indecent assault on a younger family member.
According to the complainant, these alleged assaults happened on at least five occasions while he was between the ages of six and nine. As a result, in July 2025, our client was charged with indecent assault on a male and indecency with a child.
Because the allegations related to conduct that occurred before the current law came into effect under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, the prosecution proceeded under the earlier statutory regime of the Sexual Offences Act 1956. This meant the charges and sentencing guidelines differed to if similar offences were committed in the present day.
Our Defence
Partner Joanne Cestaro was instructed to represent our client on a privately funded basis throughout this case and advanced our client’s consistent denial of the allegations throughout the proceedings.
Joanne challenged the accuracy and reliability of the complainant’s account, highlighting inconsistencies by presenting evidence about the property layout. Emphasising that the property offered limited physical privacy and restricted opportunity for unsupervised access, which were a key part of the allegations.
Furthermore, Joanne assembled substantial good character evidence for our client, where she pointed out their unblemished background and gathered defence witnesses that supported the defendant and their denial of the charges.
Joanne made disclosure requests for material that would support her defence, including anything that questioned the complainant’s credibility, his counselling and mental health records, and the qualifications of the named counsellors. The defence then examined the role counselling may have had in the emergence and presentation of the allegations.
Outcome
If convicted our client could have faced a maximum sentence of 10 years, this was something they understandably wanted to avoid.
Joanne instructed Barrister Clare Leslie of Lamb Building to represent our client at Reading Crown Court in August 2026, where she presented the defence, maintaining the denial of these allegations against our client. Thanks to the expertise of Joanne and Clare the trial ultimately resulted in unanimous not guilty verdicts for both charges.
This was a positive outcome, allowing our client to move on after such allegations. The case and its result are proof of Joanne’s skill and highlights the importance of instructing experts in criminal defence on a privately funded basis to ensure you receive the best possible result.
Looking for a specialist indecent assault defence solicitor?
Being charged with indecent assault has the potential to have serious and life-long consequences on your future. You need a team of specialist criminal defence solicitors on your side to make sure that you receive the best possible outcome. With over 250 years combined experience, Lawtons will be there for you every step of the way and will ensure that you receive the highest level of care and attention. If you or a loved one are facing a criminal charge, get in touch with a member of our team today.
