Richard Davies represents defendant acquitted in ten count historical sex rape case

Allegations

The defendant faced ten counts of alleged sexual offending regarding his niece across a six-year period from 2017 to 2023. Allegations included rape of a child under 13, causing/inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, sexual assault of a child under 13, causing a child to watch a sexual act and sexual activity with a child.

Prosecution Case

The crown’s case was that the defendant had abused the complainant across a number of years when they lived together. The crown relied on two detailed video recorded interviews with the complainant as well as supporting evidence from a family member who lived with the complainant and the defendant during the indictment period. They further relied on complaint evidence to a teacher and a police officer.

Defence Case

The defence case was that the complaints were false and that no such sexual activity took place. To support this narrative, the defence thoroughly investigated, for example, all medical, social services and school records as well as phone messaging records via disclosure requests, including a section eight application, to identify materials to support the innocence of the defendant. The case also involved a detailed review of the complainant’s accounts, witness evidence and recent complaint evidence to identify inconsistences in the crown’s case. Focused cross-examination was used to highlight differences in parts of the evidence.

Outcome

Following a five day trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court, Richard Davies’ client was unanimously acquitted of all counts following three hours of deliberations. Richard was instructed by Shelby Wiles of SA Law Chambers.

About the Barrister

Richard Davies was called to the Bar in 2013. He has a busy practice defending a wide range of allegations. Richard is ranked as a Leading Junior in Legal500 2027 in which he was recognised as:

“Richard is a hard-working and highly effective advocate. He has an excellent strategic sense and the confidence to pursue it. He is easy to work with and excellent with clients.”

To instruct Richard, please contact his clerks Ryan Bartlett and Stephanie Roles on 020 7404 1881.