Sexual Assault Allegations Dismissed After CCTV Evidence

R V AB

In June 2025, AB, a well-known figure in the world of finance, boarded a train in London bound for Manchester. During the journey, he was accused of sexually assaulting the passenger seated next to him. For legal reasons, the complainant cannot be identified.

AB was taken from the train and arrested. What followed was an extremely distressing period, made all the more difficult by the seriousness of the allegation and the potential damage it could cause to his reputation, career and personal life.

From an early stage, AB instructed Shaun Draycott, Managing Director of Draycott Browne, to represent him.

A Serious Allegation Requiring Immediate Action

As is often the case in allegations of this nature, the police investigation was lengthy and slow-moving. AB faced the uncertainty of an ongoing prosecution hanging over him, while the consequences of delay became increasingly significant.

From the outset, our focus was on taking decisive action rather than waiting for the case to unfold around our client. That meant looking closely at the evidence, identifying what was missing and pressing for material that could properly test the allegation.

A key part of that work involved repeated efforts to obtain CCTV footage from the train carriage.

Identifying The Evidence That Changed The Case

Once the CCTV footage was secured, Shaun Draycott spent many hours reviewing it in detail against the complaint that had been made. That careful analysis proved critical.

Having examined the footage thoroughly, it became clear that AB could not have been responsible for the alleged assault. Representations were made to the Crown Prosecution Service setting out why the case should not continue.

Despite those representations, the prosecution proceeded.

Building Pressure and Presenting a Strong Case

Because AB had chosen a privately funded criminal defence, it was possible to maintain pressure on the investigation and continue pursuing the evidence and expert support needed to challenge the case robustly.

Draycott Browne worked closely with leading counsel, Mark Ford KC, and also secured expert input to support the submissions being made to the court. This combined approach strengthened the argument that the prosecution could not properly continue.

Rather than allowing the case to drift towards a trial years down the line, every effort was made to bring the matter to a conclusion as early as possible.

The Outcome

In March 2026, the case against AB was dismissed by a judge sitting at Manchester Crown Court.

That result brought an end to an ordeal that had already placed enormous strain on our client. It also meant his good character was preserved and that he was able to move forward without the continuing burden of a case that should not have proceeded.

Importantly, the work carried out by Shaun Draycott and Mark Ford KC helped secure that outcome sooner than might otherwise have been possible. Had the case continued, it is entirely realistic that a trial may not have taken place until 2029 or 2030.

Why This Case Matters

This case is a powerful example of how early, strategic defence work can make a decisive difference.

In serious allegations, it is not enough to simply wait for the prosecution to act fairly or efficiently. Defence lawyers must be proactive. They must push for evidence, challenge assumptions, analyse every detail and make strong representations at the right time.

That is exactly what happened here.

Facing a Serious Allegation? Early Advice Can Be Crucial

At Draycott Browne, we understand the devastating impact that an allegation of this kind can have. We also understand that the right legal team, instructed early, can make a very real difference to the direction and outcome of a case.

If you are under investigation or facing prosecution, early specialist advice is essential. Our team provides strategic, discreet and determined representation in serious and complex criminal cases.

Speak to Draycott Browne

If you or someone close to you is facing a sexual offence allegation, contact our specialist sexual offence solicitors at Draycott Browne for confidential advice. Early intervention can protect your position, your reputation and your future.

With over 20 years of experience defending serious criminal cases, early intervention can protect your position, your reputation and your future.