Youth acquitted of rape and assault by penetration

Following a trial at Wellingborough Youth Court, District Judge Watson acquitted a 16-year-old defendant of rape and assault by penetration.

The defendant was 14 years’ old at the time of the alleged offences. He had earlier pleaded guilty to criminal damage and was convicted of making an indecent image during the incident. However, in relation to the allegations of rape and assault by penetration, the District Judge held that he could not be sure that the defendant did not reasonably believe the complainant was consenting.

Ryan Dowding acted for the defendant throughout the proceedings.

12th March 2023