A young Ilkeston man has been found not guilty of raping a woman after a jury unanimously acquitted him at Nottingham Crown Court.
After a four-day trial, the jury took just two hours on Friday to reach their decision, clearing 21-year-old Connor Evans, of Kirkby Avenue, Ilkeston, of the single charge he had faced for more than two years.
Evans was accused of attacking the woman as she walked home from a night out in Ilkeston on 23 June 2023. He had consistently denied the allegation, insisting the encounter had been consensual.
Jurors heard evidence from both sides throughout the week before retiring to consider their verdict. They returned to court on Friday afternoon to deliver a unanimous not guilty decision.
Evans, who was 19 when he was charged, is currently being treated at a mental health facility after being sectioned. His barrister, Gregor Purcell, told the court that Evans will now return to continue that treatment.
Addressing him after the verdict, Judge Mark Watson said the decision brought an end to the case as far as the crown court was concerned, adding that Evans was free to resume his medical care.
No further court action will be taken following the jury’s ruling.