February 2000 - Evangelicals Now - Christian Newspaper

So said the defence barrister in the Winchester Crown Court last October after nine days of gruelling cross-examination.

The defendant had been a Christian youth worker in an evangelical church; a devout Christian and devoted family man. For seven years, he and his wife had given themselves to the church youth in the age range of 13-18. This was not just Saturday and Sunday evenings; they ran an open-house policy for the various members in the group. Whether in the evenings, to unburden their teenage frustrations and moans about parents, or at lunchtime as a haven close to the sixth-form college, there was a welcome for the youngsters.

There were also trips out for fun evenings and midnight hikes, travel abroad to help in building or maintenance projects at overseas camps or Bible colleges. All to broaden the experience of the young people and to direct them in helping others. Nothing was too much trouble.

Yes, there were occasional gripes from the young people, but there were no serious complaints; indeed for most, it was a helpful and enjoyable group.

Dawn raid

Two girls joined the group from elsewhere and entered into everything with enthusiasm and appreciation, there was even the joy of both being baptised and one becoming a church member. Their visits to the home were probably the most frequent from the group, either at lunchtime or in the evening, sometimes babysitting. Yet these were the two who, after starting at university and drifting from the church, triggered off false accusations against the one who had done so much for them.

The youth leader knew nothing about the accusations until at 6.00 am on a January morning in 1999, when his home was raided by the police, the house searched and his four daughters, ranging from 7 to 14, were woken and questioned. Videos and computer equipment were taken away. The youth leader soon found himself in a police cell and subjected to questioning over the alleged charges, including rape on three occasions dating back eight years to when one girl was 13 and before she had even joined the group. Thankfully he was not retained in custody, but might well have been in view of the seriousness of the charges.

Traumatic times

The next ten months were traumatic for both the family and friends who were well aware of the defendant's upright character and dedication, and convinced of his innocence.

Fortunately his employers, a very large company, were very supportive, and could accommodate the many bad days when work was not the only thing on his mind, to say nothing of the number of days off attending court or meetings with solicitors.

The family had to adjust to the awful possibility, being duly warned by their solicitor, that they might yet have to face the wrongful imprisonment of their husband and father, the selling of their house to pay the legal bills (some £50,000), and the cloud of apparent guilt of their loved one haunting them for years. Having moved house towards the end of 1998, unpacked boxes through 1999 gave a good indication of the uncertainty in their minds of what the future held.

By the time the case reached court, the rape charges had been dropped as not possible to prove, but 12 other seedy charges remained. It was distressing to read the girls' statements and realise that, apart from the false accusations, what had been considered as pure clean fun without any complaint was now being regarded as assault.

Thankfully, after ten days of court tension, the jury took only a very short time to unanimously declare him not guilty on all 12 counts.

Successful defence

What were the main contributing factors to the successful defence of this innocent and dedicated worker and what lessons can be learned.

a) Prayer support:

Throughout the months, many people prayed. The family knew the Lord's help and strengthening during this time. During the court case, special prayer meetings were held in homes and churches as well as in the court by the wife and witnesses waiting their turn to go in to the courtroom.

b) Caring leadership:

Even if the leaders think the youth worker might be guilty, love and concern should be practically demonstrated to the brother or sister who has fallen under suspicion.

c) Consistent friendship:

It is vital that friends do not steer a wide berth or dissociate themselves from the accused. In this case, there was hardly a day throughout the ten months when telephone calls or letters were not received showing love and support.

Protection

We all agree it is right to have adequate protection for children against abuse by adults, but what can youth workers do to protect themselves from the possibility of those they are currently helping turning against them in several years' time?

There are recommended guidelines for youth workers and these should be in writing. They will include such rules as never being alone with a young person, but in practice these are no help where false charges are being raised. Detailed diaries can be maintained and attendance records kept for many years, but on the basis that no abuser is going to record his or her assault, such records will not count for much with the police, although they may be useful in court.

Whatever a child says must be taken seriously and followed up. The message coming from social services can sometimes appear to be that this should be done even if it means ruining the life of an innocent adult. This sadly reflects today's rejection of the fallen nature of a child, but is no help to youth workers.

Even though we are evangelical Christians, we cannot rely on credit being given to us by the police, as in the view of many we are only a sect, and just as liable to do wrong as another person. This was particularly apparent in the questioning of some 40 Christians and young people by the police officer in this case. What a sad reflection of the Christian's standing in the eyes of the world, but can we say it is entirely undeserved?

So let us recognise the increasing risks of the days in which we work.

Church leaders should be in regular contact with their workers and be witnesses to what they are doing and the relationships within the group.

Youth workers should be above reproach. Let us continue to serve those whom the Lord brings under our care with love, dedication and the mind of Christ, and when false accusations are brought, pray for grace to cope and love for our accusers.

A youth worker's nightmare

'I ask you, members of the jury: 'How many of you could defend yourself if you were falsely accused? How many of you could produce 16 witnesses and 100 letters of reference to defend yourselves?'