New Charges Against a Once‑Acquitted Figure
In a surprising development, Barry George has been issued a charge and requisition for one count of rape and two counts of indecent assault. The alleged victim was 14 years old at the time of the incidents, which are described as "historical" – meaning they occurred many years ago, well before George’s 2008 acquittal in the Jill Dando murder case.
George, now 65, was already a household name after spending eight years in prison following his 2001 arrest for the killing of the beloved BBC presenter. Although a jury cleared him in 2008, the new allegations place him back in the legal spotlight, this time for alleged sexual crimes against a teenage girl.
Legal Process and Potential Outcomes
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed that the charge sheet contains a single rape count and two separate indecent assault counts, all linked to the same victim. Under UK law, historical sexual offences are subject to the same sentencing guidelines as recent crimes, meaning George could face a substantial custodial term if convicted.
George will be required to attend his first court appearance in the coming weeks. At that hearing, the magistrates will decide whether the case proceeds to the Crown Court for a full trial, or whether any procedural issues could lead to a dismissal.
- One count of rape – alleged assault when the victim was 14.
- Two counts of indecent assault – separate incidents involving sexual touching.
- All offences relate to the same teenage victim.
The legal community notes that historical cases often hinge on the reliability of memory and the availability of corroborating evidence. Prosecutors will need to present a clear narrative that convinces a jury beyond reasonable doubt, despite the passage of time.
For George’s supporters, the charges reopen old wounds from a case that galvanized public opinion for over a decade. Critics, however, argue that the seriousness of the alleged crimes outweighs any sympathy for a previously wrongful conviction.
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