BSQ Secures Recent Acquittal in Sexual Assault Case
BSQ’s Private Crime Department has secured another major success with the acquittal of a client facing serious historical allegations of sexual assault.
The client, referred to as V, is a professor at one of the UK’s leading universities. He stood trial at the Crown Court following allegations made by a former partner. After a full trial, the jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty on all charges.
V was represented throughout by Patrick O’Hanlon, a senior criminal defence solicitor at BSQ with over 13 years of experience. Known for his rigorous and strategic approach, Patrick was instructed at the very outset of the police investigation. He attended the police interview alongside V, where a full account was given rebutting the complainant’s claims.
This marks the fifth consecutive not guilty verdict secured by Patrick in sexual assault prosecutions, reflecting his consistent success in defending clients against sensitive sexual allegations.
It is also the second BSQ acquittal in a privately funded sexual assault case this year. In a previous case heard in January, G, a businessman in the construction industry, was unanimously acquitted of all charges. He was represented by BSQ partner Roger Sahota.
Beyond trial advocacy, BSQ’s Private Crime team has a proven track record of preventing cases from proceeding to court. Through carefully prepared pre-charge representations, the team has successfully persuaded both police and the Crown Prosecution Service to discontinue investigations at an early stage. Notably, earlier this year Patrick O’Hanlon secured the discontinuance of a coercive control allegation involving a CEO, which carried potential sexual connotations. Read more about that case here.
How BSQ Can Help
BSQ’s Private Crime team specialises in representing professionals and high-profile individuals facing serious or sensitive allegations. The team’s approach is discreet, meticulous, and results-driven—whether that means avoiding charges altogether or achieving acquittal at trial. Read more about our specialisation in defending professional against allegations of sexual misconduct here.
If you are under investigation or facing criminal allegations, particularly of a sexual nature, contact our London office for confidential, expert advice and representation on 0203 858 0851.