News Criminal Defence 20th Mar 2016

Fiona Robertson’s Client Acquitted on Appeal of Rape

Fiona Robertson acted for a youth originally convicted of rape and sexual assault in the youth court on his appeal to the Crown Court. The defendant and complainant were in the early stages of a relationship when he was accused of digitally penetrating her and forcing her to perform oral sex in a park. Following the alleged events the complainant texted the defendant accusing him of forcing her to perform the sex act when she had told him no, to which he apologised if she had taken matters the wrong way.

An 18 month Detention and Training Order had initially been imposed by the Youth Court – a comparatively light sentence requiring careful consideration of whether an appeal should be pursued. Given the impact such a conviction and the consequent reporting requirements would have on the young defendant’s future, an appeal was lodged with the Crown Court.

The case involved extensive cross examination of the complainant as well as DNA and telephone evidence. Fiona Robertson conducted the appeal following which the defendant was acquitted of all charges.

Fiona was instructed by Hannah Samson of Murrays Partnership.


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