How can you be accused without actually being named?

[Icantstopeatinglol]

My family have just been through a horrific time as a relative was accused of doing something awful which they definitely didn’t do. He was questioned and it has took months to get through it and now it’s been dropped as they had ‘no evidence’ and he wasn’t actually named?! I don’t understand how that can even happen?

I'm guessing that's the way the relative worded it rather than the police. They would generally say "insufficient evidence" rather than none - as what they need to investigate someone is "suspicion" of an offence. Depends on the circumstances but a name would not always be necessary (i.e. Someone could be pointed at in the street and therefore identified without a name). The test to charge someone is much higher - realistic prospect of conviction.

It’s had such a huge impact on all our lives for months and although I’m relieved for them I’m also angry that they’ve been put through it. Some professionals involved were awful and were going to complain. It’s been horrendous.

You’re probably right on the wording though.