Charlotte Rimmer secures acquittal in child cruelty case

April 6, 2022

Charlotte Rimmer from Exchange Chambers, working with Louise Straw, Managing Partner at Burton Copeland Solicitors, has obtained an acquittal following a two week trial at Nottingham Crown Court.

The defendant, who had fostered many children over the course of 18 years, was accused of ten counts of child cruelty involving wilful assault and ill-treatment in respect of three complainants aged between 7 and 15 years.

In this section 28 case, Charlotte utilised extensive third party material when cross examining the four child witnesses, who all alleged an extensive history of abuse. The case featured child witnesses with acute vulnerabilities and communication needs and in the case of the youngest witness, an intermediary was also necessary. At the conclusion of this difficult trial, the jury promptly returned unanimous not guilty verdicts on all counts.

Charlotte is a member of the criminal department at Exchange Chambers.