Time to make everyone equal in these sex trials
RENEWED calls this week for anonymity for men accused in rape and sexual assault cases. I agree – men need protection from malicious and dishonest women who go to the police with made-up stories, secure in the knowledge that their own identity will be protected.
Emmerdale actor Lewis Linford was acquitted by a jury at Hull Crown Court (they took barely seven minutes to find him not guilty) on charges of groping some (unidentified) girl’s bottom in a nightclub. Afterwards both he and his solicitor demanded anonymity for men in cases like his.
There is something particularly odious about sex charges and whatever the eventual verdict, mud sticks. Look at John Leslie. Not a shred of evidence against him and all charges dropped but a career in tatters nevertheless. Matthew Kelly had a horrible time when nonsensical allegations against him were made. The Hamiltons, admittedly not everyone’s favourite couple, went through hell after being publicly accused of rape, an accusation that fell apart on examination.
Name defendants in sex trials if and when they are found guilty. Currently the law’s just not fair.