Tom Acworth successful after client acquittal in rare prior conviction disclosure

14th August 2026

Thomas Acworth, 3PB’s criminal law specialist, acted for R, a man with significant learning disabilities who could not read or write. R was accused of raping and sexually abusing C, an eight-year-old child who he was supposed to be babysitting. R’s defence was that he never did anything untoward.

During the course of the litigation, it became apparent that C’s stepfather had a conviction for indecently assaulting an eight-year-old child that he had been babysitting. Despite fierce opposition from the Prosecution, Tom persuaded the trial judge to allow the conviction and its facts before the jury. At trial, the case was presented on the basis that, if C was telling the truth, she must have been abused by her stepfather.

R was unanimously acquitted of all counts by the jury.

Tom was instructed by Paige Schooley at Tang, Bentley and Jackson Solicitors.

To contact or instruct Thomas, please email Chambers Director, Stuart Pringle on [email protected] or call 01962 868 884.