Pardoes success for Clive Bishop in false rape claim

Clive Bishop, client of Russell Pearce of Pardoes, who falsly accused of rape has been told he does have grounds for compensation.

A tribunal in Taunton ruled Clive Bishop, of Walton, Somerset, can apply for compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

In 2007, Mr Bishop was falsely accused of rape by a woman who made up the allegation. She was given a 10-month prison sentence as a result.

The 49-year-old said he lost his taxi business and was shunned by his local community as a result of the claims.

His previous attempts to claim from CICA had been turned down because he did not suffer physical damage.

In February 2007, Mr Bishop was arrested and charged with raping a girl he had picked up in his taxi.

Six weeks later he was told the case would not be proceeding as the girl had dropped her claim and had been charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice.

CICA's view that Mr Bishop was not entitled to compensation as he had not been a victim of physical violence was overturned by the court on Wednesday.

Mr Bishop said: "I feel the way that I was treated - being arrested in my own living room at 4.30 in the morning in front of my wife - I don't think that people understand the distress, the hurt that it caused myself, my wife my family and my friends. It was horrific."

The Taunton tribunal has now ruled that Mr Bishop does have grounds for compensation and should continue with his application.

Russell Pearce, Partner of Pardoes comments:

"I was very pleased to be able to help Mr Bishop. He was falsely accused of a very serious office and the Defendant was sent to prison for 10 months for attempting to pervert the course of Justice.

The Criminal Injury Compensation Authority initially refused the application. We were able to argue successfully that Mr Bishop has suffered psychological distress and injury as a result of the false accusations. Clearly the result was a tremendous relief for Mr Bishop. It may also help others in the same position to get justice".

Source: BBC News. 

Links: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/8048252.stm