There were tears and embraces in the Royal Court’s public gallery today as a 77-year-old woman was found not guilty of 15 sexual offences against a child.
The jury unanimously acquitted Denise Violet Pirouet of all 15 charges after deliberating for five hours and 47 minutes.
Mrs Pirouet was accused of 11 counts of procuring an act of gross indecency and four counts of indecent assault. Four of these were alternative charges, which the jury could use if they think an offence has happened, but not as often as the prosecution say it did.
During the trial, Crown Advocate Carla Carvalho told the jury that Mrs Pirouet had engaged in a relationship with the child that started with touching and kissing, and escalated into sex. The child was too young to consent at the time of the allegations.
But Advocate Simon Thomas, defending, said the allegations were “a fantasy”.
He read out multiple statements praising Mrs Pirouet’s character, describing her as “generous” and “kind”.
Mrs Pirouet also gave evidence during her trial, which she was not obliged to do.
Her advocate described her as “unshakeable” in denying the offences.
Around 16 to 20 people were in the public gallery during the trial, many supporting Mrs Pirouet. They were seen embracing after the verdict.
Commissioner Sir John Saunders was presiding.