Thomas Beardsworth Defends Man Acquitted of Attempting to Rape a Colleague

A jury at the Crown Court in Peterborough has unanimously acquitted  Tom Beardsworth’s client of sexual assault and attempted rape after a trial lasting eight days.

The defendant, a man of good character, was accused of attempting to rape a colleague at work. The defence made extensive use of material arising from the company’s internal investigation. The jury deliberated for less than one hour.

There was considerable legal argument during trial, including:

• The admissibility of a different colleague’s complaint of harassment and the meaning of ‘reprehensible behaviour’ in section 112 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003
• ‘Interests of justice’ hearsay pursuant to section 114(1)(d) of the CJA 2003 in circumstances where the maker of the statement is unknown
• The admissibility of late-served phone evidence
• Adverse inferences under section 34 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994

Counsel was instructed by Andy Cave of Hunt & Coombs Solicitors.