DEREK ALLEN CONVICTED OF RAPE AND INDECENT ASSAULT IN JERSEY

In a significant legal case that unfolded in the Royal Court of Jersey, a jury composed of nine men and three women reached a unanimous verdict after a three-day trial. The defendant, 40-year-old Derek David Allen, was found guilty of charges related to the sexual assault of a teenage girl.

The incident in question allegedly took place in the early hours of March 8, when the teenage girl accused Mr. Allen of raping and indecently assaulting her. According to her testimony, Mr. Allen had provided her with a substantial amount of vodka and rum-based drinks, along with cannabis, which she claimed left her unable to give consent. She maintained that she did not agree to any sexual contact with Mr. Allen.

Mr. Allen, on the other hand, admitted to sharing a kiss with the girl but insisted that he could not remember what transpired afterward. The case was further supported by forensic evidence, which revealed that Mr. Allen’s DNA was present on internal swabs taken from the girl, indicating contact. Conversely, her DNA was found on the inside of Mr. Allen’s jeans, specifically around the crotch area, strengthening the prosecution’s case.

During the trial, Deputy Bailiff Tim Le Cocq summarized the legal considerations for the jury, emphasizing that the burden of proof rested solely on the prosecution. He clarified that Mr. Allen was not required to prove his innocence, especially since he chose not to give evidence in court. The Deputy Bailiff also advised the jury to evaluate each count separately, allowing for the possibility of conviction on one charge but not the other.

After nearly six hours of deliberation, the jury returned with a unanimous verdict of guilt. As a consequence of his conviction, Derek Allen has been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register. He is currently remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in court this upcoming Friday, where a sentencing date will be determined. The case highlights ongoing concerns about sexual assault and the importance of forensic evidence in securing convictions in Jersey.