I’ve had justice says ‘victim’ as soldier cleared of rape is ordered to pay her £100,000
A SOLDIER cleared of raping a woman has been ordered to pay her £100,000 in a landmark legal case.
Sean Diamond allegedly attacked a sleeping woman at a flat in Dundee in July, 2015.
But a jury at the High Court in Edinburgh found the case “not proven” after a four-day trial. The alleged victim launched a civil case against Diamond, 24, and was awarded £100,000 in damages after the soldier did not contest the claim.
His alleged victim yesterday told how she finally feels as though she has received justice after the “horren- dous” ordeal of a court case. She said: “The trial coming out with the verdict of not proven was one of the most heartbreaking things I have ever experienced.
“I took the oath. I told the truth and I was belittled by his counsel but this result has been a massive relief. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted.
“This was never about money. It was always about justice.”
Diamond was a serving soldier with the Queen’s Dragoon Guards based at Robertson Barracks in Dereham, Norfolk, when the civil action was launched.
The case is the first time in almost a century a woman has been awarded damages in a civil case after an unsuccessful rape case.
Prosecutors during the trial last October claimed Diamond held her down as he continued attacking her after she woke up.
He was serving at Leuchars, near St Andrews, at the time of the alleged attack.
Scared
The woman said: “My world was turned upside down. I had to see a psychologist and tried to kill myself because there was no reason to go on.
“My life was ruined. I was a broken person. I felt like a prisoner inside my own head.
“I turned from being a person who had no fear to someone who was too scared to go out. I didn’t even want to socialise with friends. I felt nowhere was safe any more. I lived in fear without the physical or mental strength to protect myself.
“Without the support of my family and friends, I don’t think I would have come out the other side. I will never be the person I was. I’m a lot better now but it has changed me completely as a person.”
An Army spokesman said. “We can confirm that Trooper Diamond was tried for rape at the High Court in Edinburgh in 2017, with a not proven verdict being returned by the jury.
“We note that a civil claim against him was subsequently filed and that a sheriff issued a decree for payment in July, 2018.
“We can confirm that administrative action will now be considered, which could result in dismissal.”