Ched Evans verdict

[FreshwaterSelkie]

to continue the discussion as the previous thread closed.

What disturbs me most, other than what happened that night, is:

1. A convicted rapist can appeal using statements from men he has paid to provide 'evidence'
2. That 'evidence' is actually about the rape victims' previous sexual encounters with these men. Nothing to do with the night in question. I stupidly thought it was against the law to bring up previous sexual encounters. How many women have said those common phrases?
3. That 'evidence' is purely hearsay as it is the rapist saying 'she used this phrase' and then the man agreeing 'yes, she used it with me too'. It is not solid 'evidence' at all. It could be a total fabrication.

Even writing it out makes me wonder what the hell this is all about?! How the hell is the defendant allowed to pay for 'evidence' which is actually previous sexual encounters? Let's roll back the clock 20 odd years. All those women in court having to fight for the right for consensual sex and to not have the old 'she dressed like a slut so...' or 'she talked like a slut so...' or 'she had sex two days ago so....' sort of bollocks rolled out was a total waste of time then.

From now on rapes will only be successfully prosecuted if the woman is also beaten to within an inch of her life, by a complete stranger and said woman has never had sex with anyone else.

I hope someone's looking after his victim. She'll be very vulnerable right now.

All the tea metaphors and positive affirmation education in the world can't compete with a judicial system like this. If this is 'locker room banter', if a 'teammate' is there to stand aside and let you take a turn, if 'well she liked it before' counts as evidence, then women can't win, nothing we do will work. Men have to stop this. They have to stop each other.

Having no real understanding of the law, can someone with a bit more knowledge explain how a judge can prevent the jury knowing the new 'witnesses' were offered money to give 'evidence'?

Surely, if the judge knew they were potentially paid, then they should have disallowed the evidence. What is the possible reasoning for the judge doing this?

Yes, as a society we should stop others abusing others. Sadly, we all too often turn a blind eye to protect ourselves or in disbelief that people can be so degradingly cruel to others.

Evans could probably afford to pay damages, like the man who won the lottery. But they are unusual. What would be the use of a civil claim against a man with no significant assets? There is no imprisonment for debt on a civil judgment (nor should there be) so a judgment would be just a piece of paper with the seal of the court on it.

The criminal process is over, done with, ended, and the DPP can do nothing more about it.

I can't get my head round this : A jury of seven women and five men . . .

Well, they heard the evidence and one of us did.

I cannot find the words, I am incredulous about this verdict.
Will come back to this when it has sunk in
Just wanted to say I would donate.

Indominus makes a good point. When DH and I were discussing it earlier and I said women should be taking some action or a stand against this, he said the only people who can actually stop this are men, and one of the most valuable ways is to educate our sons as to what real consent means and instill in them the correct values.

We as women can, and indeed I think we should, take action, but the only people who can truly prevent women being raped, are men.

I feel so angry about this. It's a travesty of justice.

As for the reward, is it different from a reward being offered leading to a successful prosecution?

Pinkissimo I just have to hope that I brought up my DS as my father brought me up - to make such a thing unthinkable. I believe so. But so, I expect, did CE's father.

The whole thing is thoroughly disturbing.
My heart goes out to that poor woman - who didn't even bring this case.

So now we know how to successfully defend a rape case no matter how good the evidence is. Get one of your mates to say they've had sex with her before and she liked it. Sorted.
Great job, British legal system!

Absolutely disgusting. Poor woman, I believe you.

Great day for women this, consent to one man = consent to all men.

It's just been covered on radio 4 by Eddie Mar. The coverage was 'we thought he was guilty, now we know he's not. How successful will a compensation claim be?'.

I dread to think what the gutter press will do with it.

I think we should go on strike. I really do. Things need to change.

'Pinkissimo I just have to hope that I brought up my DS as my father brought me up - to make such a thing unthinkable. I believe so. But so, I expect, did CE's father.'

I don't think we can assume that, sadly. There are an awful lot of men gloating about the outcome of this case and many of them will have sons. I think we can guess what they're bringing them up to believe about women and sexual consent.

MorrisZapp
Sadly a compensation claim will be quite successful especially as he could sue the media instead.

Andrew, with all due respect, the money is not the only reason to go for a civil suit. It might seem pointless to you, but to a victim it means your rapist didn't get away with it completely.

venus I meant only that a civil suit in most cases would be another dreadful ordeal for the complainant. If she is able and willing to go trhough with it I wish her well.

We know Ched Evans had sex with her without consent, from his own testimony. The only thing this apparently establishes is that if you can convince a jury that the victim is a slag, you don't need consent.

The Judges must explain the thinking behind allowing the new evidence - they have effectively legalised rape.

My point was general, as yours was. You were talking about men who had no money or other significant assets.

The Radio 4 interview with a close associate with CE was disgraceful.

I'm with the idea of donating to the group mentioned above.

Could this be set up as a new thread on mn or is that not allowed?

I'm sure there are rape victims who would put themselves through it to get some kind of justice. They are braver than me. I took issue with you saying such an action was essentially pointless. You are not qualified to judge that.