Nicki Roberson represented SW, a 38 year old man, in a trial which took place between 25/3/2025 and 31/3/2025 at St Albans Crown Court. SW was accused of four counts of rape by his ex-partner. The allegations dated back to 2003-2007, at the beginning of their relationship, which started when SW was 17 and the complainant had been 14. The relationship continued until 2010, and then on and off until 2021.

The sexual relationship had been investigated by the police in 2004 without the support of the complainant. In 2022 the complainant made the allegations that their sexual relationship had never been consensual. The complainant sadly died in 2024. Her detailed account that was provided to the police was admitted as hearsay at trial. However, SW's previous conduct characterised by the prosecution as bad character was successfully excluded.

The defence raised was one of consent, SW having offered pleas to alternative counts of sexual activity with a child, which had not been acceptable to the Crown.

Following just over three hours of deliberation, the jury acquitted SW unanimously of all four counts on the indictment. 

Nicki was instructed by Vinesh Patel of Stryders Solicitors.