25/11/2025
Almost two years ago, Foster and Coleman were contacted by the family of a young man who had been arrested and placed in police custody following a series of allegations made by three linked complainants. The allegations were wide-ranging and serious, including offences from R**e to Stalking.
Upon attending custody, we were provided with substantial pre-charge disclosure. After taking detailed instructions, we prepared an extensive written statement which addressed, and robustly denied, each allegation individually. The statement also highlighted that one complainant had previously made similar allegations to another agency, which had been fully investigated with no further action taken. This statement was duly provided to the interviewing officer.
Our client was appropriately bailed pending further enquiries, and what followed was an initial period of constructive and transparent pre-charge engagement. The officer in charge was receptive to all information we were able to provide, which included significant material such as social media posts, photographs, and contact details for witnesses who were willing to give statements directly contradicting several of the most serious allegations.
Unfortunately, after several months the investigating officer was replaced. The new officer demonstrated little interest in continued engagement. Despite repeated chasing, updates were minimal, and it became clear that he intended to prepare an advice file for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Concerned that crucial defence material was being overlooked, we contacted the witnesses ourselves, only to discover that neither had been approached by police, despite our repeated submissions.
Months of unanswered correspondence ultimately necessitated a complaint. Fortunately, the matter was escalated to a senior officer, who apologised for the failings and assured us that a full review would be undertaken.
We have now been formally notified that, following what has been described as a 'thorough investigation,' no further action will be taken in relation to any of the allegations made by the three complainants, without the need for a CPS review.
For our client and his family, this brings an end to two years of severe emotional strain. However, this case once again highlights the unacceptable risk posed by sub-standard investigations being presented for charging decisions. It is deeply concerning that, without our continued persistence and the provision of extensive exculpatory material, this case could have reached a reviewing lawyer in a wholly incomplete state.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the client’s family for their unwavering support and for providing such valuable information and documentation. Their diligence, combined with ours, ensured that the truth was ultimately recognised.
A genuinely decent family has been spared the ordeal of a Crown Court trial, and the evidence showed unequivocally that our client was the victim of a cruel and dishonest campaign.
