Worried about a friend RE a rape allegation

[confuseddotcodotuk]

I won't go into too much detail obviously but I found out today that a dear friend has had a rape allegation made against him and he's waiting to hear what's going to happen. He's been told to admit to a 'lesser' crime for a smaller sentence but has refused too and will plead not guilty to rape.

What can he be sentenced with and what can the consequences be? I truly and honestly do not believe that he has it in him to do this and I'm really worried about him.

Gonzo - I am sorry for your ordeal, but how can you say there is no smoke without fire when you then go on to tell us a good friend of yours was accused and found not guilty (correctly in your assumption)?

Surely this shows there can be smoke without fire?

Your friend is not guily because you know he did not do it, yet the OP's friend is a 'no smoke without fire' case?

sorry I omitted the "in a lot of cases". My fingers were not in time with my brain.