Man Found Not Guilty Sexual Assault On Train - Warwick Crown Court 2024

Our client was charged with sexual assault, contrary to section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.  It was alleged that, two years ago, our client sexually assaulted the complainant on a train journey whilst they were both seated on the train returning home. It was alleged that he touched the complaint's body whilst sitting next to each other. They did not know each other and had never met previously. Our client was then arrested, interviewed and charged.

A duty solicitor from another firm represented our client, but as he vehemently denied the allegations, he sought our specialist's advice after he was charged. His instructions stipulated that the interaction between him and the complainant was friendly and not sexual. The client was of good character and had no previous convictions. He always maintained that the complainant invited him to sit beside her during the journey.

Our client entered a not-guilty plea at the magistrates court, and the case was subsequently sent to the Crown Court. We instructed Mahmud Aslam, of Great James Street Chambers, to represent our client at trial. The initial trial occurred in September 2023, but the jury could not deliver a verdict, also known as a hung jury, so a retrial was scheduled.

A date for a retrial was set for October and we prepared the case for re trial. The Prosecution case collapsed, as no evidence was offered. Our client was thrilled with the result after two years of having to deal with the allegations of sexual assault.