Charged With A Historic Rape?

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Katie Forrest and Steve Williams of Forrest Williams

Historic Sexual Offences: Rape

An example of a historic rape case is that of publicist, Max Clifford, who was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment in 2014 following conviction of various offences of indecent assault against children and women aged 5-19. If this was recent conduct under current law, some of these charges would have been rape and he would have been at risk of a sentence of life imprisonment. As the offending took place prior to 1985, the maximum sentence for each offence was two years.

In rape cases, it must be proved that the person accused penetrated the vagina or anus of the complainant without the complainant’s consent and whilst being aware that consent was not present. Ejaculation is not required to prove penetration.

It is rape if intercourse begins consensually but consent is withdrawn during the act and the defendant continues with the act.

The maximum sentence for a historic rape case is life imprisonment.

If you are being investigated for, or charged with, a historic allegation of rape, call our specialist team now on 01623 600645.