News & Legal Advice
Historic Sexual Assault and ABH Acquittal
Published - Feb 26, 2025
Foster and Coleman recently acted for a client facing a crown court trial in relation to allegations of ABH and Indecent Assault dating back more than 30 years.
The PTPH having taken place back in January 2022, the proceedings finally came to an end this week. Following a trial lasting seven days and having deliberated for three and a half hours, the jury finally returned with unanimous ‘not guilty’ verdicts on both counts.
This prosecution was certainly one of the most testing and frustrating we have ever dealt with. The conduct of the CPS throughout was quite simply disgraceful, with their persistent refusal these past years to engage with the defence, comply with the most basic obligations around disclosure, and adhere to timeframes and directions by the Court resulting in an astonishing fifteen pre-trial hearings.
Our client, a now-retired man of impeccable character was forced to privately fund his defence, as well as endure these unnecessarily prolonged proceedings. We are just delighted for him that the jury saw through the untruths levelled at him, and despite enormous pressure rightfully acquitted. We are incredibly happy and relieved for him, and for his lovely family.
Our client was represented throughout these proceedings by the brilliant Berenice Mulvanny of 3 Paper Buildings
Posted in Criminal Defence on Feb 26, 2025