Dean* was charged with serious sexual assault offences, which carried some of the most serious penalties. However, he always denied the allegations and instructed us to fight every charge to trial.
From the moment he was first approached by police, Dean’s future depended on the case being properly and rigorously tested, right through to a jury’s verdict.
The background
Dean was arrested and interviewed by police in relation to allegations concerning a person known to his family. He denied these allegations in a recorded police interview and maintained that denial throughout the matter.
Dean entered pleas of not guilty to all charges. The matter proceeded through the Children’s Court for the complainant’s evidence and committal, before being sent to the District Court for a trial before a judge and jury.
The charges
Dean faced two counts of sexual intercourse under the age of 10, a domestic violence-related offence under section 66A(1) of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), and one count of attempted sexual intercourse with a child under 10 under section 66B.
These are among the most serious offences in NSW criminal law. They carry substantial maximum penalties, and the case required the highest level of preparation from the point of arrest through to trial.
Our approach
Our representation of Dean began at the point of arrest, advising him on the allegations and his options before he participated in a recorded police interview. From there, our criminal defence lawyers briefed a barrister to run the matter through to trial.
We represented Dean through the committal process in the Children’s Court, and then before the District Court at trial. Several family members gave evidence at trial in support of Dean’s case. Throughout, our focus was on ensuring the prosecution case was tested fully and fairly at every stage, consistent with Dean’s instructions to contest every charge.
What is a committal hearing?
A committal is the process by which a matter involving a serious charge moves from the Local or Children’s Court to a higher court such as the District Court for trial. It is not a trial itself, but a stage where the evidence is formally transferred and tested before the matter proceeds further.
Our fact sheet on sexual assault charges in NSW explains how serious sexual offence matters are dealt with in the NSW court system.
The outcome
After a trial of approximately two weeks, the jury returned verdicts of not guilty on all charges. Dean was acquitted.
A trial of this length and seriousness reflects just how closely the evidence in matters like this is tested before a jury reaches its verdict, the same rigorous approach we bring to other serious sexual offence matters.
For Dean, it meant an outcome that fully vindicated his decision to contest the charges from the outset.
Facing serious sexual offence charges?
Serious criminal allegations, especially those involving children, must be tested with the utmost rigour. Every person charged is entitled to have the prosecution case properly examined.
Request a free, no-obligation initial chat via the form below, or call us on (02) 9261 4281.
Read more of our criminal law case studies.
*We always change the names and other identifiable details in case studies to protect client privacy.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is assessed on its individual merits.
This content is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should seek independent legal advice relevant to your specific circumstances.
