Anthony Horsfall and Bethany Wilson Secure Acquittal in Historic Child Sexual Offences Allegation Case

Anthony Horsfall and Bethany Wilson of Forbes Solicitors have secured an acquittal for their client charged with several historic child sexual offences. The offences were alleged to have been committed against the defendant’s sister when she was aged between three and five, when the defendant himself was in his late teens.

A number of issues relating to bad character arose during the course of the proceedings. Anthony Horsfall successfully opposed the admission of that evidence before the jury.

The case ultimately turned on Anthony Horsfall’s cross-examination of the complainant. His questioning was meticulous, strategic and conducted with appropriate sensitivity. The complainant’s credibility and reliability as a witness were significantly undermined.

Following a submission of no case to answer, three of the nine counts were withdrawn from the jury at Preston Crown Court. After hearing the remaining evidence, the jury returned unanimous not guilty verdicts on all remaining counts after just over one hour of deliberation.

For more information, or to instruct Anthony Horsfall, please contact Senior Criminal Clerk, Andy McGuinness