BJA Safeguarding Case Dismissed After Independent Disciplinary Hearing

Amina Graham acted for a judo coach of 40 years’ experience who faced safeguarding proceedings brought by the British Judo Association (“BJA”) before an independent Sport Resolutions panel. The case concerned 37 historic and recent allegations of a sexual nature, including alleged inappropriate contact and abuse of position of trust, all of which were denied.

Amina advanced a pre-hearing hearsay application, excluding extensive historic hearsay material in its entirety, on the basis that it was incapable of proper testing and that its admission would give rise to substantial and irremediable unfairness.

Following a five-day contested hearing, at which the defence called 11 witnesses, the Panel dismissed the BJA’s case in its entirety, finding that it had failed to discharge the burden of proof. The Panel identified a lack of reliable evidence, a lack of corroboration, inconsistencies in aspects of the complainant evidence, and significant shortcomings in the investigation. It also placed weight on the consistent evidence of multiple defence witnesses.

All 37 allegations were found not proven.

Client feedback following the hearing:

“Amina was fantastic from the beginning. She was supportive, thoughtful, considerate, energetic and with obviously a great command of both the law and the facts of the case. She left no stone unturned and demonstrated a strong desire to see justice done. In the hearing itself she was very impressive. I am extremely grateful to her and would recommend her fully to anybody faced with the same situation that I was.”