Telford man cleared of rape but still sent to cells and told to grow up

Brynsley Van-Hamlett, 34, of Stonebridge Close in Aqueduct, Telford, was found not guilty of a charge of rape by a jury after less than two hours of deliberations.

Mr Van-Hamlett audibly voiced his relief at the verdict from the dock, only to be told by Judge Robin Onions: "I am not sure you have any celebrating to do."

The judge told Mr Van-Hamlett that he has "a lot of growing up to do" and that the case had revealed he had been cruising around looking to buy cocaine on the night of the incident.

Mr Van-Hamlett had also failed to return to court after a break in proceedings before the judge's summing up, and only returned 45 minutes late when found by a security guard in a van near to the court.

Judge Onions said Mr Van-Hamlett had been "habitually late" throughout the case and "was sat in your father's van for 45 minutes while the court waited".

Despite being cleared of the more serious charge Mr Van-Hamlett immediately faced a bail act offence, to which he pleaded guilty.

As a result he was told he would spend the rest of the day in the court's cells and would be released at about 4.30pm.

The case had seen Mr Van-Hamlett accused of raping a woman at her home.

However, Judge Onions said that had Mr Van-Hamlett told the police the truth from the outset, he would not have been facing a charge of rape.

Mr Onions was referring to Mr Van-Hamlett initially telling police he had not had sex with the woman, before later admitting he had.

The court had heard how Mr Van-Hamlett and his friend had been driving around when they noticed a woman "looking distressed" at the side of the road.

He told police he had wanted to help and took her home where he went inside and had a cup of coffee before leaving.