Andy Rootsey represented a CEO and company founder accused of sexually assaulting a stranger in the toilets of a City of London pub.
The allegation arose during celebrations marking the company’s stock market flotation. The complainant alleged that our client had slapped and squeezed his buttock over clothing. Our client denied the allegation throughout and maintained that the incident could not have occurred as described.
The case carried significant professional consequences. Following charge, our client lost board positions, resigned as CEO and director of his company, and faced potentially irreparable damage to his reputation and career.
The defence conducted a detailed analysis of the prosecution evidence and submitted extensive pre-trial representations to the Crown Prosecution Service. These highlighted substantial evidential weaknesses, including CCTV timings, inconsistencies in witness accounts, and evidence of our client’s significant intoxication.
Following review of those submissions, the CPS offered no evidence on either the sexual assault count or the alternative assault charge. Not guilty verdicts were entered on both counts, and the listed trial was vacated.
Gudrun Young KC of 2 Hare Court was instructed counsel.
