Judge fury as student’s rape case dropped after 2yr delay
A JUDGE criticised police and prosecutors after a rape case against an Oxford student who spent two years on bail was dropped just days before his trial.
A court heard the evidence against Oliver Mears, 19, was always finely poised but a diary passed to lawyers only last week “tipped the balance in his favour”.
Judge Jonathan Black demanded “a full explanation” within 28 days from Crown prosecutors. He told Guildford crown court, Surrey: “Both Oliver Mears and the complainant have had this hanging over them for two years. If the investigation had been carried out properly to begin with it would not have led to this.” His criticism comes after police announced a review of every sex case where a suspect has been charged and the collapse of two rape prosecutions in a week after late evidence.