Acquittal for client of four serious sexual allegations against ex-partner

After a 6-day trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court, our client was found not guilty to three counts of rape, and one count of assault by penetration. These allegations related to our client’s ex-partner and mother of his child. They date back to 2017 until 2020.

It was alleged that over the course of their relationship, there were instances of non-consensual sex, including whilst the complainant was pregnant. The allegation included the fact that their child was conceived during non-consensual sex.

The relationship between the complainant and our client was a tumultuous one with periods where they were and weren’t together. When the allegations were being made between 2017 and 2020, police reports were made each time. The complainant made three separate withdrawal statements over the course of the proceedings.

Our Work

Given the lengthy period of the allegations, and the nature of the relationship, over 1,400 pages of material was served in this case, including hours of interview footage and unused material. A substantial amount of time was dedicated to combing through the unused material to find supporting evidence to strengthen our client’s case.

Consequently, multiple conferences were conducted with the client to take detailed instructions on the material and prepare a robust defence statement.

We spoke to a defence witness who could comment on the turbulent nature of the relationship between them throughout the years, and comment on our client’s caring relationship with his son. We prepared a statement to assist in our client’s account.

Strategic decisions were made during trial to ensure that our client’s case was put across to the jury in the strongest possible way. Given our client’s composure during trial, the decision was made to not call our client to give evidence in his defence.

Great Result

Our client was incredibly pleased with the outcome and commented that the way SMW handled the case was “the absolute best!”

Our client has never had a criminal record. Had our client been found guilty, he could have faced a lengthy prison sentence, potentially exceeding ten years. Thanks to the acquittal, he is now able to preserve his good character and continue his livelihood as a security guard, which was on pause for over a year due to these proceedings.

Annie Loh acted in this case. Amy Cox supervised throughout. Briony Molyneux of Crucible Chambers was instructed.