Libby Anderson represents young man of good character accused of assault by penetration and sexual assault.

Despite the defendant and complainant being known to each other and identification not being in issue, there was a significant delay in the case being brought before the Crown Court.

The defendant accepted some sexual contact, including digital penetration, but asserted that he had reasonable belief in the complainant’s consent, and denied that the particular contact charged as sexual assault had occurred at all. Libby cross-examined the complainant and two recent complaint witnesses, and called evidence from three defence witnesses in addition to the defendant. Libby invited the jury to closely analyse text messages between the complainant and the defendant in the period of the allegation and consider the eyewitness evidence in assessing reasonable belief in consent.

After deliberating for less than 45 minutes, the jury returned not guilty verdicts on both counts.

Libby was instructed by Lisa Paton of Reeds Solicitors.