Barnet Police have released further details as to why a 29-year-old accused of rape faced no action over one of the alleged offences.
As the media have been reporting for several weeks now, a Premier League footballer was arrested in Barnet on suspicion of rape. The player was subsequently released without charge.
The player in question, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is still able to train with his club and compete in the upcoming Premier League season, with no police action having been taken against him.
Barnet Police have now clarified as to why no action was taken – at least over one of the alleged offences – and implored that the public treat the accuser with respect and send no hate her way online.
Following media reporting about the decision to take no further action (in relation to one offence) against a 29-yr-old man arrested in Barnet on 4 July on suspicion of rape, we’ve been alarmed to learn that the complainant in the case has been the subject of considerable abuse.
— Barnet MPS | North West BCU (@MPSBarnet) August 3, 2022
It can take courage to come forward to police. Those who do so deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, no matter the outcome of any subsequent investigation. Any abuse, online or otherwise, is unacceptable.
— Barnet MPS | North West BCU (@MPSBarnet) August 3, 2022
In this instance, no further action was taken because the relevant legislation had not yet come into effect at the time of the alleged offence. This has been explained to the complainant who continues to be supported by officers.
— Barnet MPS | North West BCU (@MPSBarnet) August 3, 2022
Having rape investigations conducted in the backdrop of the new Premier League season is a rather sickening reality. All we can hope is that the accuser is done justice by thorough police investigations.
Perhaps the club in question also have to ask themselves whether it is appropriate to have the player in question wearing the shirt before any possibility of wrongdoing is formally discounted.
