Man cleared of rape and assault by jury

Ashley Hall, aged 22, of Telford, was found not guilty following a trial at Shrewsbury Crown Court.

He was accused of attacking the woman almost 18 months ago.

The first alleged assault happened in December 2015 when the woman claimed he slapped her across the face. She had claimed that she suffered an injury to her eye during the incident when Hall allegedly held her down on the floor with his legs and held her by the throat. It was also alleged that he kicked the woman following a row over the television.

Hall told the jury that the eye injury was caused as a result of her being struck in the face by a football outside her home while she was standing on her doorstep. Regarding the TV row Hall said he did not kick the woman, but had held her arms to restrain her, as he claims she was behaving aggressively towards him. He said he let her go when she eventually calmed down.

The jury were told there were two subsequent early morning incidents when it was alleged that Hall had sex with the woman against her will. It was also alleged the defendant had threatened the woman with a baseball bat when she said she was going to report the matter to the police.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, went to make a report to officers on January 7 last year. Hall was subsequently arrested, in relation to the matters, but as a result of him having learning difficulties he was not immediately interviewed by the officers investigating the allegations.

Hall, of Freestone Avenue, St George’s, denied two counts of rape and two counts of assault. He was found not guilty of the offences by the jury which deliberated for five minutes before returning with its verdict.

Judge Jim Tindal told Hall: “The jury has cleared you of these allegations made against you.”

He was assisted during the trial by an intermediary to ensure he understood the case proceedings.