James Gwatkin represented CA, a 20 year old man of effective good character, in a trial which took place between 15/10/2024 and 18/10/2024 at Chelmsford Crown Court. CA was accused of two counts of assault by penetration relating to separate complainants. The allegations dated back to a house party in March 2020 when CA was 15. Both the complainants and other witnesses of fact were aged between 15 and 17.

CA accepted lying in two police interviews regarding his presence at the party and was alleged to have confessed to one of the offences on snapchat in the days after the incident. The defence raised was factual denial in respect of both complainants.

CA was assisted by an intermediary during his evidence due to his mental health conditions. Following just over an hour of deliberation, the jury acquitted him unanimously of both counts on the indictment.

Nicki Roberson completed the s.28 pre-recorded cross examination of both complainants with James representing CA at trial. Nicki and James were instructed by Vinesh Patel of Stryders Law.