The accused, a young person within the meaning of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was charged with rape, sexual intercourse with a female under 14, common assault, and threatening death arising from an alleged sexual assault in 1971.
The complainant reported the incident nearly forty years later.
The prosecution relied primarily on the complainant’s testimony and evidence from witnesses recounting her prior complaint.
The court held that while the complainant’s narrative could support a finding of probable guilt, several evidentiary concerns and inconsistencies created reasonable doubt when considered cumulatively.
Applying the criminal standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt, the court acquitted the accused on all counts.
