This story from the London Evening Standard is pretty shocking stuff: Evening Standard Rape Trial Collapses

Initially I thought that this was another Police fuck up but if you read through the article then this sentence leaps out:

"We are working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service and keeping in close contact with the victim whilst this process takes place."

Who exactly is the victim that they refer to here? I'm pretty sure I know but the Police clearly think that it is not the accused student. Even though the Police were in possession of evidence which cleared him. And failed to disclose this evidence. For two years.

I remember when I was 20-22 (this nightmare has lasted two years for this kid) and at university under extreme stress during an engineering degree. Add an accusation of rape and subsequent investigation and trial and I may have ended things permanently. Glad this guy had the strength to make it through.

At least the judge was angry enough to demand further action but I doubt anything further will happen.

I wish Mr Allan all the best for his future and perhaps someday soon we will see him arrive at this Parish.