Judge throws out rape case

While I comment on a number of crime stories, I generally try and avoid comment on rape cases where the only issue is consent (ie both parties agree there was sex) as it comes down to who you believe more, rather than forensic evidence or eye witnesses. And if you were not in the room you can’t be sure.

But I am glad to see the Judge stop the trial of Mark Tulloch, throwing the charge out after the third day. On the basis of the media reports (and yes I know that can be dangerous) it is difficult to see how there was ever a credible case that had any chance of conviction. I can just assume that as the accused was a Police recruit, the Police decided they had to charge him so they can’t be accused of doing a Rotorua.

False accusations do imense damage. Not just to the accused, but to all the genuine victims of rape who have to battle suspicion and sometimes hostility.