Unanimous acquittal of man charged with attempted oral rape

Laura Stockdale represented a man charged with attempting to orally rape the Complainant, a disabled woman, in her home. The Crown case was that the Complainant’s daughter had invited the Defendant to her mother’s house where she was staying. The next day, under the influence of alcohol, the Defendant had made a sexual advance towards the Complainant whilst they were alone in the living room. This was denied by the Defendant. The Crown evidence included immediate reporting of the allegation to the Complainant’s daughter and the operator during a 999 call. Following a three-day trial at Isleworth Crown Court prosecuted by King’s counsel, the Defendant was unanimously acquitted in just over an hour of jury deliberations. The Defence case was that the Complainant had made a false allegation during the 999 call in order to get police to attend her home and assist with the removal of the Defendant who had overstayed his welcome. 

Laura Stockdale was instructed by Bianca St Prix of Lawrence & Co Solicitors.