Royal Court trial begins of man accused of indecent assault

Monday 17 July 2017

One of the most prominent figures in Jersey's IT industry is facing a Royal Court trial this week for six charges of indecent assault on a girl.

48-year old Mark Beaufort Loane denies all the charges against him.

In court this morning, Crown Advocate David Steenson, who is prosecuting, explained that the victim is not able to pinpoint specific dates for the alleged events because of her young age the time. He also said the alleged assaults occurred as often as several times a week, but that the frequency decreased as the girl got older and went through puberty. 

The alleged victim confronted Mr Loane, and then recorded their conversation, during which the defendant denied all allegations against him. 

Concluding his opening speech, Crown Advocate Steenson said: "This case is very much the victim's word against his (Mr Loane's). The question you need to ask is: 'Why would she lie. Why would she make up all of this, years after the events?' The answer is she simply wants the defendant brought to justice for the crimes he committed against her."

Mr Loane is being defended by Advocate Stephen Baker, assisted by Advocate Julian Gollop. 

This morning Royal Court Commissioner Julian Clyde-Smith swore in the 12 jurors, seven women and five men. The trial is expected to last until Thursday.