Helen Kelsall, Jade Halliday-Mitchell and Fi Porter successfully represented an individual charged with two counts of sexual assault by penetration. A sexual assault charge is an extremely significant offence which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Mr H instructed JMW Solicitors when he was charged following a weekend away in a hotel with the Complainant. Although their romantic relationship had ended some time earlier, Mr H and the Complainant had remained close friends and had occasionally engaged in consensual sexual activity.

The charges were brought after the complainant alleged that Mr H had sexually assaulted her while she was asleep. Mr H strongly denied these allegations and entered ‘Not Guilty’ pleas to both charges. The basis of his defence was that he had reasonably believed that the Complainant was consenting.

As a man of good character with no previous convictions, Mr H was understandably distressed by the proceedings. Over a 2-year period, JMW Solicitors worked alongside Counsel and Mr H to build his defence.

Mr H’s matter proceeded to a 4-day Trial before Liverpool Crown Court. Following the submissions of detailed evidence and cross-examination, the jury returned unanimous Not Guilty verdicts on both counts and Mr H was acquitted of all charges.

After the Trial, Mr H expressed his immense relief at the outcome, stating he could finally begin to move forward with his life.