Following a 5-day trial at Leicester Crown Court, the defendant, a man of good character, was acquitted of rape. The defendant had only been 16 at the time of the incident. The defendant had been a school friend of the complainant, and she was supported in her testimony by another friend, who had also been in the house at the relevant time. Careful cross examination of prosecution witnesses showed inconsistencies and assisted the defence case. A section 41 YJCEA application arguing that previous sexual behaviour should be adduced was granted by the Court.
Rory Field was instructed by Niraj Keshwala of Archer Maher solicitors.
