Erim Mushtaq’s client acquitted following a six-week trial in Bradford Crown Court

Erim Mushtaq’s client, Mr X was charged with rape following a significant and lengthy investigation into non-recent child sexual exploitation from the West Yorkshire region. Eight defendants in total were charged, relating to the same complainant. 

This trial was complex due to the historic nature of the allegation. Various disclosure issues resulted in two separate abuse of process arguments being made due to late and incomplete disclosure. The prosecution relied on third party material including medical records, hospital records, social services and children’s services records, police records and schooling material. The defence applied  for and were granted evidence relating to the complainant’s civil compensation and Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority applications, material which was relied upon in cross examining the complainant. The case required extensive preparation in advance of the trial due to the complainant being cross examined under the S.28 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999. 

Mr X was the only defendant to be acquitted unanimously. Six of the defendants were convicted and as the jury were unable to decide on one defendant, he will be retried. 

Erim Mushtaq is a specialist in defending in cases involving allegations of serious sexual offending. She was instructed by Rizwana Mahmood and Kamran Hussain from Whiterose Blackmans Solicitors, in Leeds.  

Media coverage includes the BBC.