Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Lawyers Sydney NSW

Not Guilty Verdict – Domestic violence related physical assault, sexual assault, intimidation, property damage

JURISDICTION: In the District Court of New South Wales

SUBJECT: Criminal Law – Domestic violence related – Sexual assault; assault; intimidation; property damage – plea of not guilty – did not commit any of the alleged offences – inconsistencies in victim’s statements – found not guilty.

FACTS: Our client, a young adult male, was charged with 15 counts of domestic violence related sexual assault, physical assault, intimidation and property damage offences. He was alleged to have committed these offences against his ex-partner. It was the Crown’s case that the defendant both sexually and physically assaulted the complainant on a number of occasions during the course of their relationship. The relationship between the defendant and his ex-partner commenced in early 2012 and ended in 2013. During this period, she alleged that the defendant on multiple occasions assaulted her. She stated that she felt intimidated and scared of the defendant. The complainant reported the cases of domestic violence to the police 3 years after the break down of the relationship. The Crown relied on the complainant’s statement and statements of family members together with photos of injuries and hospital records.

PENALTIES

The maximum penalty for the offences that our client was charged with is as follows:

• Sexual intercourse without consent – the maximum penalty for this offence is 14 years
• Assault occasioning actual bodily harm – the maximum penalty for this offence is 5 years imprisonment.
• Intentional damage of property – the maximum penalty for this offence is 5 years imprisonment.
• Intimidation – the maximum penalty for this offence is 5 years and/or 50 penalty units
• Assault – the maximum penalty for this offence is 2 years

Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Defence Lawyers

Counsel for the defence argued that the defendant did not do what was alleged. Counsel used inconsistencies in the complainant’s statement to raise doubt. Counsel further used the fact that the complainant had told family members and hospital staff other reasons for injuries and did not tell anyone about the alleged assaults until 3 years later.

RESULT: A jury of 12 found that the defendant was not guilty.

If you have been charged with domestic violence, family violence or domestic violence sexual assault call our Criminal Lawyers we have over 50 years criminal law experience. When you need skilled representation look no further than George Sten & Co. Confidentiality assured! 02 9261 8640