Put Three Year Limit On Time Sex Abuse Allegations Can Be Reported, Says Mr Loophole
Criminal defence lawyer Nick Freeman has reiterated his call for a time limit when it comes to reporting sexual crimes.
The call comes after the Crown Prosecution Service revealed its decision not to prosecute Sir Cliff Richard over claims of historical claims of abuse is being reviewed after an appeal by one of the singer’s four accusers.
The highly publicized case against the singer – who was never arrested or charged over the allegations – was dropped in June on the grounds of insufficient evidence.
The celebrity lawyer, commentator and author – who is a long time advocate of defendant anonymity in sex cases – said three years should be the maximum period for a report to be made.
This, he said, brings these allegations on a parity basis with personal injury claims in a civil court.
In relation to children, he added the three year rule would commence when they reached the age of 18.
Mr Freeman said: “We now live in era where there is a massive support system for victims of these heinous crimes, which is in stark contrast to the system that previously existed.
“Unless there are very cogent reasons, ie someone is held a prisoner, these allegations should be reported to the police within three years of them occurring.
“This will provide a fairer system to both complainant and defendants, and it will be easier for the Crown Prosecution Service to accurately access if there would be a 50 per cent chance of a conviction.”
Mr Freeman added: “In my mind there is no doubt that some of these anachronistic prosecutions have been brought because of the ‘sins of Savile’.
“He should have been investigated and prosecuted many years ago, and no amount of historic prosecutions against others will right that wrong.
“The times have changed when many of these alleged crimes are said to have taken place. What was acceptable then is not now, and bringing these prosecutions is a highly complex issue.”
About Nick Freeman
Nick Freeman is probably the best known solicitor practising in the country today.
He has been dubbed "Mr Loophole" by the press owing to his vast technical knowledge of motoring law matters and his ability to successfully challenge the prosecution over procedural irregularities.
Nick is widely known for his celebrity client list and high profile criminal defence cases.
Nick is the head of Freeman & Co. Solicitors and although based in Manchester, represents defendants in motoring and criminal cases all over the country.
After graduating from Chester Law School in 1979, Nick started his career as a prosecuting solicitor for Greater Manchester Police.
Nick soon became known for his technical legal abilities and robust court room style and he was soon recruited into private practice by the highly respected solicitors firm of Burton & Co. He was soon to be made a partner at the practice but in 1999 he decided to start his own firm following which Freeman & Co. was formed.
Owing to Nick's meticulous case preparation and technical legal skill he soon made Freeman & Co. one of the most respected and sought after criminal solicitors firms in the country.
Despite the celebrity client list and media attention, Nick and Freeman & Co. have built their practice on representing ordinary members of the public with the same tenacity as those more high profile cases that are reported in the press and on TV.
Outside of his professional practice Nick is a regular expert guest on TV and radio and is well regarded as an expert legal commentator. He is an ardent supporter of defendant anonymity in sex cases.
In recent times his credits have included Tonight With Trevor MacDonald, Close Up North West, Channel 4 News, BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 5 Live to name but a few. He also appears regularly on Sky News, BBC News 24 and Legal Eagles on ITV's This Morning. Nick is a regular legal commentator for the Sunday Times.
A father of 2 children Nick is a keen golfer with a 2.9 handicap and enjoys vigorous exercise with his Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Contacting Nick Freeman
For professional matters and representation Nick can be contacted through Freeman & Co. on 0161 236 7007 or you can send him a confidential email by clicking here.
If you would like to contact Nick for a media appearance or legal comment please call David Simister on 0845 389 26 26.