This matter concerned a client charged with four offences of serious sexual offending relating to a child who was a stranger to the client.

The case had bizarre facts which centered around the client having performed a handyman type service at the complainant’s home at the request of the complainant’s parents.

During that service there was a friendly interaction between the client and the complainant which resulted in serious allegations being made against the client.

On review of the evidence it was obvious that the matter had been completely blown out of proportion. Further, there was clear issues with the complainant’s account as it was significantly inconsistent with a later account given by the same witness. The complainant had also made inconsistent statements to other persons including the complainant’s parents.

The client had no criminal record and was otherwise an exemplary member of the community.

The matter progressed to a pre-recording of evidence. During that hearing, numerous flaws and inconsistencies in the complainant’s account were demonstrated. It appeared plain the complainant had been influenced by the seriousness of the proceedings and possibly other parties to give an account that was completely different to the original account the complainant provided. Further many aspects of the complainant’s account made little sense.

At trial further damage was done to the complainant’s account by demonstrating numerous other flaws in the prosecution’s case, including flaws in the case theory.

James Jackson presented a detailed closing address which highlighted the issues with the prosecution case.

Following several hours of jury deliberations, the client was acquitted of all charges.

This fantastic outcome brought an end to years of mental turmoil for the client and the client was very happy with the outcome.