accused of event more than 25yrs ago !!!

[TBG1]

I had absolutely no idea that our system allowed things to operate in this way. They do. And much of what I've learned over the last 16 months, I wish I'd never had to learn. Of course none of it may yet be necessary, but I guess forearmed is forewarned.

Some of the things you've put in your last post painfully remind me of how I was at the start of this.

Arming yourself with all the information you can is most definitely the best course of action at this point.

It's good that you are taking legal advice - My only caution is that if the solicitor does not handle these types of cases as a matter of course, you must be very careful because they will also think (as you and I do/did) that the law applies to these cases in the same way as others. It doesn't.....If tou are accused of burglary and you can prove that you could not have been anywhere near the scene at that time, your solicitor will (rightly) present that evidence NOW. Case closed.

With SO, the police will simply give the accuser the opportunity to "correct themselves". Case continues unaffected. A "normal" solicitor might not know that this is the case.

Tread very carefully .... My guess (please correct me if I'm wrong) is that Chris Saltrese told you that there's not much that can be done at this point. I guess the Solicitor that you've made an appointment with has given you cause to think otherwise (because it's what you want to hear)?

Please beware. If you have to use someone at this stage, please use a "specialist"....you will know who they are because none of them will take any money off you at this point.


Best Wishes,


TBG1

[Rights Fighter]

Tread very carefully .... My guess (please correct me if I'm wrong) is that Chris Saltrese told you that there's not much that can be done at this point. I guess the Solicitor that you've made an appointment with has given you cause to think otherwise (because it's what you want to hear)?

Please beware. If you have to use someone at this stage, please use a "specialist"....you will know who they are because none of them will take any money off you at this point.

Excellent advice TBG1!


There are some people who profess to be "specialists" - some are not solicitors but masquerade as private investigators, calling themselves "legal enquiry agents" and some are solicitors who work with such people. They are very happy to take your money, but will do very little else for that money apart from a hand-holding exercise, if that.

A decent specialist will not take money from you until or unless you have been charged.

[Lucky]

Sorry to see you here, but glad you decided to join.

one of the most important things to remember is, during the investigation stage the police need YOU to fill in the gaps, especially on historic cases.

don't do it for them ^^

Hope it works out for you buddy.

[Rights Fighter]

I wish now I had asked more questions and took more note of what was in her statement, I should have asked if they have contacted the witnesses they had said in statement (which I know will be a no as it didn't happen) ... but in the haze and confusion of the interview brain just not functioning.

Believe me, if a witness can "corroborate" what a complainant says, they will use him or her. They should it if is a genuine case, of course they should - but some of them are not witnesses at all, but cohorts, part of the conspiracy to make false allegations.

If a suspect names witnesses who can disprove or cast doubt on the allegations, it is unlikely that the police will want to speak with them, as it doesn't help their cause - sorry - I mean case...... although I have known the police to snaffle them, take a statement from them, tell them that they are now witnesses for the prosecution so they cannot talk to anyone on the defence side.

If that happens - remember that "there is no property in a witness". A witness who has been snaffled by the police for prosecution CAN speak with the defence solicitor and should provide a statement to them. They should also be listed as witnesses for the defence because often the CPS will drop such witnesses during the course of the trial (to prevent useful cross-examination by defence), which of course makes it too late for defence to call them.

[falseaccused9390]

Excellent advice TBG1!


There are some people who profess to be "specialists" - some are not solicitors but masquerade as private investigators, calling themselves "legal enquiry agents" and some are solicitors who work with such people. They are very happy to take your money, but will do very little else for that money apart from a hand-holding exercise, if that.

A decent specialist will not take money from you until or unless you have been charged.

Thanks - I am seeing Chris on Thursday for an initial 1hr consult - Will let you all know how it goes

[Rights Fighter]

He's fab! He will tell you what is what, won't bulls*t you with unrealistic promises either!

[TBG1]

Thanks - I am seeing Chris on Thursday for an initial 1hr consult - Will let you all know how it goes

That's a great decision. If nothing else, you will leave the meeting more focused, more calm and feeling less anxious.

I have spoken to Chris myself and it was the single most important conversation I've had in the last 16 months. I have also attended a trial (as a spectator) and seen Chris and his "go to" QC Tania Griffiths, in action. So I can vouch for their effectiveness too.

Please continue posting as it will help you and others too.


Best Wishes

TBG1

[can it get worse]

Welcome to this great forum full of advice and support.

Sorry that you find yourself in this situation and being exposed to the real justice system. I naively assumed the plod were to be trusted and relied upon. My partner was FA'd. In my police interview, the OIC refused to include something in MY statement. I believed this would have helped my partners defence. Due to my unassertiveness, and trust in the police, I did not insist that this was included. They are not interested in evidence which supports the defence and will disregard it if possible.

My experience is the whole system has disappointed me tremendously - I now lack all faith and confidence in it. Tread carefully - although I'm sure you are fully aware of this by now.

We used Chris Saltrese and Tania - they are both brilliant.

[falseaccused9390]

We used Chris Saltrese and Tania - they are both brilliant.

Just an update, met with Chris yesterday and very helpful and informative

We have agreed on an initial plan and although I was in 2 minds to spend the money now (when the police may just drop it anyway) or wait until a charge comes .... but I suspect most of the stuff would have to be done afterwards anyway so obviouslly the key is to avoid charge all together and its better to spend #2k now then #25k later ...

Came away from the meeting happier than I went in - Now just to see how the next couple of weeks plays out.

[can it get worse]

Obviously you don't want to go in to detail...... but are you saying Chris is providing a service prior to a charge?

[Rights Fighter]

I wondered that as it is unusual for him to suggest payment prior to charge, unless in this case there is actually something that can be done. I would say that is unlikely though, as there would be little or more likely no disclosure / evidence prior to charge.

[falseaccused9390]

I wondered that as it is unusual for him to suggest payment prior to charge, unless in this case there is actually something that can be done. I would say that is unlikely though, as there would be little or more likely no disclosure / evidence prior to charge.

Without going into too much detail, there are various things I have discovered about the complainant and also I want some witness statements taking ... so I think there is lots that can be done.

I have 2 choices, do nothing and just await until charge then do it ... or try and be pro-active and do it now and whilst it may end up to be a waste of money I decided to do it now and hopefully get it closed before the hell and anguish of formal charge etc..

As a client we instruct the solicitor and cant expect them to do without payment - and as I said most of it would have been done afterwards (if I was charged) so I will not be paying twice just a gamble at this stage

[veryangry]

You also mention potential alibi evidence. Never give this evidence to the police without the advice of an experienced solicitor. The police have a vested interest in reaching rape conviction targets, and some will do so by any means.

Some members have experienced telling the police of such evidence only to find that they (police) have gone to the complainant who then changes his or her story to suit the alibi evidence. The accusers then cite "the trauma of coming forward to the police, that's why I got it wrong".

Exactly this, as we know to our cost.

[Mr B]

Good advice is rarely free. Free advice is rarely taken. This forum is a Godsend. Use it. Learn from it. Senior Members do know their stuff.

Mr B

[falseaccused9390]

Well its been 3 weeks now since the interview and I was hoping things would sort of get better and 'time being the best healer' kicking in .. but still each and every waking moment its on my mind.

Will this be the last xmas we are together as a family ?, can we book our summer holiday ? .. whilst the FA is still enjoying her life and carrying on as normal.

I know 3 weeks is nothing in this 'game' but not really sure how much longer I can cope with the daily uncertainty, having to carry on as normal when all I want to do is go away to a remote island and forget everything .. not that I have done anything wrong but the thought of possibly losing my home, family and everything for something I didnt do !