Our team, led by Paul Dillon from the Private Client Team, recently secured an acquittal in a challenging case for a client facing charges of attempting to arrange or facilitate a child sex offence and attended Wimbledon Magistrates Court in October 2023.
The case arose from an undercover operation where an officer posed as a single mother with a nine-year-old daughter, expressing a desire to engage in sexual abuse of the child. The offence was charged as an attempt because the mother and child were fictitious.
Over several weeks, our client exchanged numerous messages with the undercover officer, including some images and a phone call. The communication was explicitly sexual in nature.
At the Old Bailey trial, the defence argued that the entire interaction was a fantasy, with no real intention of meeting the child or officer. Our client asserted that it was purely role-play initiated on an adult website.
Following our compelling legal arguments, the judge ordered an acquittal at the end of the prosecution’s case. Due to our expertise, our client was not required to testify or present defence witnesses, underscoring the critical importance of seeking skilled legal representation in serious situations.
Facing serious charges of sexual offence? Trust Lawtons Solicitors for expert defence. Our experienced team, led by Paul Dillon, is dedicated to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome. Contact us today for a consultation and let us provide the legal support you need.
