Accused of rape

[lorraine01]

My 18 yr old son has given a voluntary interview under caution to the police who are investigating a rape accusation against him by a drunken woman who was a customer in the bar where he works. He declined a solicitor because this is the first time he has ever been interviewed by the police and felt he had nothing to hide. He denied the offence and answered all their questions. At the end if the interview the police thanked him for being so frank and explained that a file would be referred to the CPS. They also gave an indication that it was unlikely to go any further and would be make such recommendation to the CPS. Despite the seriousness of the allegation, he was not arrested, charged or bailed either conditionally or unconditionally. My son has been left with the impression there is nothing too much to worry about but I am terrified for him and am finding it difficult to function. I have advised him to see a solicitor even though he has not been charged. Can anyone throw any light on the situation he finds himself in.

[micaman]

see a solicitor now. police say one thing cps say somthing difrent better safe than sorry

[GEEMAC]

Yes, I would get some proper legal advice as well. Or try the citizens advice bureau just to put my mind at ease.

[DONNAKEBABUK]

See a criminal law solicitor immediately. I think (although somneone may correct me if I am wrong) that the first consutlantion is free. Like the others say, the police say one thing and the CPS say another. At least the Solicitor will be able to make contact with the Police and CPS to ascertain the full facts.

I feel for you.

Take Care.

Katie. x

[christina81]

Thats a pretty strange thing to do.I suspect he is probably not the only person under suspision or maybe this person who accused him has no evidence .I would go and see a solicitor to get advise and if anything was to happen then they would be aware of the situation.This is very serious and I would imagine they would have bailed him pending further enquiries but they haven't so it seems a little odd.
I would not worry.If he has done nothing wrong he has nothing to worry about.The person accusing him would need evidence although what she has said is classed as evidence too.Does your son know this person? Has anything happened between them that she would be able to use aginst him?

[Mamjet]

Why choose to mention that she was 'drunken'? I hope your son hasnt used this as an excuse.

[popsickle]

erm, shes asking for help? mamjet u tit

[Mamjet]

it's a relevant question. calling me a tit isnt.

[abskil12]

Its the waiting that must be a nightmare. He must have the name of the police officer which interviewed him. i would get him to phone the officer and find out when he is seeing the CPS lawyer or if he already has and find out what the charging decision is. He will then know one way or the other and can then seek legal advice.

[Law Man1856]

Hi, Contact the officer who interviewed him, request a copy of the interview tape and take this to a solicitor who deals with criminal law. Only 2% of rape cases are ever proven so it is unlikely the CPS will go to trial but always be prepared to fight the case in court. If your son is charged it is likely his DNA photograph and fingerprints will be taken and in some police forces the arrest will be registered on the PNC ( Police National Computer ). It is possible that the officer knows that and he/she is trying to stop this registration taking place to keep your sons CRB history clear. I jave experianced other people been arrested for rape and then the police bail being cancelled due to no or little evidence. The PNC is updated with ARREST ONLY but the CRB check will show the arrest and the offence. If your son were then to apply to be a POLICE OFFICER, SOLICITOR , CARE WORKER etc this could seriously reduce his chances.

hope this helps

Lawman

[EDDIE51]

Yes agreed, he MUST see a solicitor as soon as possible and tell them EVERYTHING that has happened !!!! It would be a VERY GOOD idea for you to go with him !
It is VERY unlikely anything will come of it ! But seeing a solicitor will set your mind at rest !
You know the old saying 'Better safe, than sorry !'
It certainly applies in this case !!!
It will be Free ! by the way, just incase you were going to be worried about money !

[EDDIE51]

Excellent post by LawMan though ! PLEASE Follow his advice !!!!