A defendant accused of exposure and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order was unanimously acquitted at Snaresbrook Crown Court. After a 5 day trial the defence exposed major investigative omissions and demonstrated that the identification evidence was unsafe. The police had fixed on the defendant following a Jigsaw match from an unrelated incident the next day, but failed to obtain CCTV, phone data or alternative suspect enquiries. With detailed preparation by Dobsons Solicitors, the defence showed that the Code D procedure operated as confirmation rather than testing, and that the complainant—who gave sincere evidence—was a truthful but mistaken witness. The defendant, who had documented mental health vulnerabilities, gave evidence and explained the context of his no comment interview. The jury returned unanimous acquittals on both counts.
Michael Chambers was instructed by David Nicholson of Dobsons Solicitors.
