About this episode

This episode covers the opening of the prosecution's case in the trial of Lionel, accused of sexual assault against a child.

Rape on Trial is a fly-on-the-wall style documentary podcast giving listeners a unique and detailed insight into the real-life workings of the criminal process, criminal law, and proceedings. Through a series of in-depth case-studies drawing on case files and trial proceedings, we see for ourselves how the criminal justice system actually works in cases of rape and serious sexual offences, and how it doesn't. This episode sees the opening of the prosecution's case in the trial of Lionel who stands accused of two counts of sexual assault perpetrated against a complainant who was a child both at the time the incidents are alleged to have taken place, and when the case gets to court. Key topics and procedural elements covered: prosecuting counsel's opening speech; the use of special measures in court; Achieving Best Evidence or ABE video interviewing by police; the limits of bad character evidence and conduct for which the defendant has not been charged; judicial introductions, witness coaching, and R v Momodou & Limani [2005] 1 WLR 3442, [2005] EWCA Crim 177; cross-examination of a child witness in a sexual offences trial. Although put together with the general listener firmly…

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