Acquittal in stranger rape case. Abigail Robinson for the defendant.

Following a 7 day trial at Huntingdon Crown Court, Abigail Robinson’s client was acquitted of two counts of rape. Abigail was instructed by Andrew Cave of Hunt & Coombs Solicitors.

The prosecution case

The Prosecution case was that the defendant had met the complainant in Peterborough City Centre where they proceeded to consume alcohol together. The pair then returned to the complainant’s home address. The prosecution said that the complainant’s level of intoxication was such that she was stumbling and unable to stand unaided at times. On reaching the complainant’s home address, the prosecution said the defendant had  pinned her down, placing his hand over her neck to stop her screaming, and then orally and vaginally raped the complainant in the early hours of the morning. The prosecution relied on a combination of witnesses to the earlier evening, complaint witnesses and CCTV evidence along with live evidence from the complainant.

The defence case

The defence case was that having met the complainant in Peterborough City Centre, she invited him back to her address. Once there, she initiated sexual activity and there was consensual sex.

Defence strategy and acquittal

Through review of CCTV footage, comparison of witness evidence and detailed analysis of the body worn video, the defence were able to show that there were substantial inconsistencies within the various accounts as provided by the complainant and between her account and the supporting evidence. The defence were able to demonstrate that the prosecution’s case was inherently contradictory. Following a 7 day trial, the jury acquitted the defendant of all charges on the Indictment.

About the barrister

Abigail Robinson was called to the bar in 2020. She has a busy practice both prosecuting and defending across a wide range of offences, including serious violence, section 18 wounding, sexual assault and drug related crime. Abigail is often instructed in cases involving extremely vulnerable defendants.

To instruct Abigail, contact her clerks Steve McCarthy or Amie Harris on 020 7404 1881.