More Lies by David de Freitas

The Director of Public Prosecutions had only just made her statement confirming that the evidence was strong in the case case against Eleanor, and thus vindicating me, when Mr de Freitas struck back.

He had contacted the Daily Telegraph to publish a press release and also wrote and article in The Guardian authored by himself stating that what the DPP had said was wrong and that the evidence in the case against his daughter was based on "rape myths".

This was meant to be a day if vindication for me, the day when the news was focused on the DPP's statement. But no. Mr de Freitas stole that moment from me.

He was saying his daughter was victim and that I was guilty, all over again.

It was an ambush designed to confuse the public.

Once again I was under attack.

But this time I was going to take legal action. This time I was going to sue him for libel.

I had been amazingly patient over the last 5 weeks, but this was the final straw. There are only a certain amount of times that one can put up with being accused of being a rapist and this was the 7th time he had done so.

I called up my lawyer. We were going to take de Freitas to court.

DPP: Evidence, including texts & CCTV, contradicted Ms. de Freitas's account.

Ever since the press had come out over a month ago I had been waiting for the DPP to make a statement about the case. But no one knew what she was going to speak out, last of all me.

She had been heavily criticised by Mr de Freitas in the press, so it was expected she would confirm that the evidence in the case against Eleanor was strong.

What she had to say would be really important. The DPP is effectively in charge of all the criminal cases in England and Wales. That's everything from murder to speeding fines. Her word would be taken seriously. If she said there was evidence to show that I was innocent then that would be amazing. 

Finally on the 9th December 2014 the DPP, Alison Saunders made a public statement

Saunders emphasised that there was strong evidence against Eleanor de Freitas, including text messages and CCTV footage that directly contradicted her account of the alleged rape. The decision to prosecute was explicitly based on this concrete evidence rather than stereotypes about how victims of sexual assault should behave.

She also confirmed that the CPS thoroughly considered Eleanor de Freitas' mental health before deciding to prosecute. A detailed psychiatric report, commissioned by Ms de Freitas' own legal team, concluded she was aware of the implications of her actions and was mentally fit to stand trial. No additional medical evidence was subsequently provided that would have justified discontinuing the prosecution.

And explained that it was highly unusual to prosecute without initial police support, as happened here. The police had not carried out their own investigation into the allegation of perverting justice and were not able to form a view on the evidence.

 

Below: Alison Saunders, Director of Public Prosecutions