MPR Solicitors Secures Acquittal in Complex Historic Abuse Case

A company director has been unanimously acquitted of serious historic sexual abuse charges following a two-week trial at a London Crown Court, thanks to the efforts of leading criminal defence firm MPR Solicitors LLP.

The client who was funding the case under a private retainer, faced allegations of rape and indecent assault made by two extended family members. The allegations spanned more than a decade, dating back to the 1970s and early 1980s, when the complainants were children and the defendant was a young adult.

Significantly, the case involved multi-jurisdictional elements, with some allegations said to have occurred during trips to overseas jurisdictions in Europe and Asia. The complexity of the international aspect added a further layer to the already challenging historic abuse case.

The prosecution relied on testimony recorded decades after the alleged events and diaries claimed to have been written contemporaneously. Multiple complaint witnesses gave evidence.

The defence was led by Seema Parikh, Managing Partner at MPR Solicitors LLP, who directed a comprehensive investigation together with Emma Goodall KC of Doughty Street Chambers, they crafted a meticulous trial strategy. Through targeted disclosure applications and detailed evidential analysis, the defence successfully undermined key parts of the prosecution's case.

Working closely with counsel, MPR Solicitors prepared a robust defence that questioned the timeline of events, challenged the authenticity of alleged documentary evidence, and demonstrated the impact of memory degradation over time.

The jury returned unanimous not guilty verdicts on all counts.

Seema Parikh said the case highlighted the importance of thorough defence preparation and the need for fairness in trials involving historic allegations: “Justice requires that allegations, however serious, are properly tested. This was a highly complex case involving allegations across multiple jurisdictions and a significant passage of time. We are proud to have secured the right outcome for our client.”

This verdict reinforces MPR Solicitors LLP’s standing as one of the country’s most respected boutique criminal defence firms, frequently instructed in high-stakes, multi-layered cases across the UK and internationally requiring legal precision, strategic defence, and discretion.

The firm's expertise in managing sensitive, high-profile matters continues to make it a trusted choice for those facing the most serious allegations.

If you require specialist legal advice in criminal defence and regulatory matters, contact MPR Solicitors for an initial confidential consultation on 0203 824 8080 or email law@mprsolicitors.co.uk.