What happens if the defendant is found to be not guilty?

Once all the evidence has been heard, the jury or the magistrates’ must be satisfied ‘beyond reasonable doubt’ that the defendant is guilty. If this is the case then the decision will be guilty. The judge will then decide upon a suitable sentence.

If the decision is not guilty, then the defendant is free to leave the court. A parent should contact the police if they fear that the child may be intimidated by the defendant, they can decide to provide protection. This can include panic alarms, mobile phones, telephone link lines from the home direct to the police station, increased police patrols or 24 hour surveillance. In extreme cases the police can provide protective custody, short or long term relocation or even a change of identity.

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