The CPS and Police have decided not to charge Union President Ben Sullivan for rape.
Sullivan was arrested for rape and attempted rape on May 7th and bailed until today.
At 3.50pm today, Sullivan’s lawyer notified him by phone of the decision of the CPS and Thames Valley Police that no further action would be taken.
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police stated: “No further action was taken against the 21-year-old man from Oxford arrested on suspicion of rape and attempted rape.”
A CPS spokesperson said: “Following an investigation by Thames Valley Police, we have decided that there is insufficient evidence to prosecute a 21-year-old man from Oxford who was arrested following a complaint of rape and a complaint of attempted rape made by two women. We will be writing to the complainants to explain our decision in more detail.”
The Union released a statement, saying: “The Union can confirm that the President, Ben Sullivan, was informed by his lawyers at 1550 today that Thames Valley Police would not be pursuing any further action against him.
As far as the Society is concerned, this is the end of the matter. We would like to thank Mr. Sullivan for his work as President under the most difficult of circumstances and wish him well for the future.”
Despite calls to resign, Sullivan remained in his position as President and survived a motion of no confidence after members voted not to put the no-con to a vote.
Oxford Against Rape Culture commented: “We do not think it appropriate to comment on the NFA decision on the case. However, we are still upset by the way this was handled by the Union. Regardless of any outcome on a legal case, they had several responsibilities which they failed to respect. We continue to fight for rape survivors in Oxford.”
