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Conor ThompsonDiscreet, Expert Defence When You Need It Most
Get Your Free 30 minute consultationAccused of a historic sexual offence? The police may already be building a case against you, even if the allegation is decades old. Don’t wait to see what happens. At MMA Law, our expert solicitors act fast to protect your rights, reputation, and future with complete discretion.
Get Your Free ConsultationBeing accused of a historic sexual offence can feel like your world has collapsed. You may be asking yourself, “Why now?”, “Will anyone believe me?”, or “Can I make this go away?” These are natural, overwhelming thoughts — especially when the allegation span back 10, 20, or even 30 years ago.
At MMA Law, we understand the emotional shock that comes with this kind of accusation. We know the fear of being judged, the stress of keeping it from loved ones, and the terror of seeing your name linked to an allegation that you believe is false, exaggerated, or completely mistaken.
Many clients we help are professionals, family members, or retirees who never expected to face the criminal justice system. Allegations often come from:
These claims can be rooted in misunderstandings, false memories, or even deliberate fabrication. But the emotional and reputational damage can begin the moment police make contact.
Whether the claim is completely false or taken out of context, you have the right to legal representation and a fair defence. Being accused doesn’t make you guilty. Our role is to protect you — calmly, discreetly, and without judgement.
You are not alone. We help people in your position every day.
If the police have contacted you about a historic sexual offence — whether through a phone call, letter, or knock at the door — it’s vital to stay calm and take the right steps straight away. Even if you haven’t been arrested, your words and actions now can heavily influence what happens next.
Preserve any potential evidenceIf you have messages, emails, records, or anything else relevant to the period in question, save them securely. This may become important later.
If you're facing an allegation from years ago, our team can help protect your rights and your future. We offer strategic, discreet legal support at every stage of the process.
We handle claims dating back 10, 20, or even 30+ years. There’s no legal time limit on prosecution in the UK. These cases are complex — we focus on evidence quality and legal fairness.
Old memories can be flawed. We investigate identity issues, timelines, and inconsistencies in the accuser’s account. You deserve a defence based on facts, not assumptions.
Early legal advice can make all the difference. We guide you before any formal charge is made. This stage is critical for shaping how your case is viewed by police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
If you're under investigation, we’ll help you prepare for interviews and respond to evidence. We ensure your rights are protected from day one.
Should your case go to trial, we’ll build a robust defence. We cross-examine evidence, challenge inconsistencies, and instruct expert witnesses when necessary.
Sometimes, allegations arise from personal disputes or false motives. We know how to challenge malicious or fabricated claims with professionalism and care.
Being accused can harm your personal and professional life. We act quickly to protect your reputation, including support for employer disclosures and press enquiries.
We assess the strength of any supporting evidence. Where appropriate, we apply to exclude unreliable or prejudicial material before court proceedings begin.
If you're accused of a historic sexual offence, the process can feel long, confusing, and unpredictable. Understanding what happens next can help you stay calm and take control. Here's what to expect.
In England and Wales, there is no statute of limitations for sexual offences. That means the police can investigate, and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) can bring charges, even decades after the alleged event.
Despite the passage of time, the CPS still carries the burden of proof. They must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Weak or unreliable evidence can and should be challenged. With the right legal strategy, you can push back.
Most cases begin with a police contact — either an arrest or a voluntary interview under caution. You may not be formally charged at this stage.
The investigation process can take months, sometimes years, depending on the complexity of the case. The police will:
You might be Released Under Investigation (RUI) or placed on police bail with conditions.
Do not face this stage alone. Early legal advice gives you the best chance of avoiding charge or shaping how the CPS views your case.
If the CPS decides to prosecute, you will be summoned to appear at court — often starting at a Magistrates’ Court before moving to the Crown Court for trial.
At this stage, your legal team at MMA Law will:
You may face a jury trial, where your defence will be presented in full. The credibility of the allegation, the time delay, and your own evidence will all be key.
A strong, early defence can result in dropped charges, reduced penalties, or full acquittal. We are here to protect your future.
Choosing the right solicitor could be the most important decision you make. At MMA Law, we provide experienced, confidential support tailored to historic sexual offence cases. We do this without judgment or delay.
We have defended clients in complex, sensitive historic sexual offence cases for years. Our team understands how to deal with allegations going back 10, 20, or even 30+ years. We’re familiar with the procedures followed by Cleveland Police, the environment at Middlesbrough Police Station, and how cases progress through the Teesside Combined Court Centre.
This local knowledge matters. It gives us the edge when preparing your defence.
Most people don’t realise how critical early legal intervention is. Many cases are won — or lost — before charges are even brought.
We work quickly to:
Our calm, strategic advice can often prevent escalation — protecting your job, reputation, and mental wellbeing.
We know how terrifying and embarrassing these allegations can feel. Many of our clients are professionals, parents, or retired individuals who never imagined being in this situation.
At MMA Law, we listen. Everything you tell us is handled with complete discretion. Your dignity and privacy are our priority.
You’ll be treated with the respect and confidentiality you deserve.
While we’re based in Middlesbrough, we help clients across Teesside, the North East, and throughout England and Wales. Whether your case is local or further afield, you’ll get personal attention from experienced solicitors who specialise in historic sexual offence defence.
We combine the depth of a national service with the care of a trusted local firm.
One of the biggest fears people have is, “Will anyone find out about this?” The truth is that not all cases are made public.
If you haven’t been charged, your case is unlikely to be reported. Voluntary interviews or investigations usually remain private. However, if you are charged, your name may be made public, especially if the case reaches court.
But that doesn't mean it’s inevitable.
We often work with clients to request reporting restrictions or limit press interest where possible. Particularly in sensitive, reputationally damaging cases.
Yes, if charges are brought and the case is heard in open court, the press can attend and report details. However, they are legally restricted from naming alleged victims or including identifying information.
If you have particular concerns, we can advise on media handling and privacy protection measures.
Discretion is at the heart of everything we do. From your first call to the final resolution, your case will be handled with the utmost care and confidentiality.
We will:
You’ll never be treated like a headline. You’ll be treated like a person who deserves dignity, discretion, and protection.
Yes — there’s no time limit in the UK for prosecuting sexual offences. Historic allegations can be investigated and charged, even decades after the alleged event.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will assess whether there’s:
Time passed doesn’t protect you from prosecution. Legal advice is essential from the start.
Police don't need physical evidence to bring charges in historic cases. They may rely on:
Patterns of alleged behaviour can also be used. A solicitor can challenge credibility and consistency in this type of evidence.
There’s no fixed timeline. Investigations can take months or even longer. You may be:
Delays happen due to:
During this period, you have rights. Get regular legal updates and avoid speaking to police without advice.
Follow these four steps:
False allegations can spiral quickly. Early advice is your best protection.
Yes — absolutely. A voluntary interview or police contact still carries legal risk. What you say early can affect whether charges are brought. A solicitor helps you:
Pre-charge advice can change the entire course of your case.
It depends on your case status. If you’ve not been charged, the police usually keep things private. If you’re charged, the press may report it, especially for serious allegations. MMA Law handles your defence with total discretion. We help protect your reputation and keep your case as private as possible.
A caution means:
A charge means:
Never accept a caution without legal advice. It can affect jobs, travel, and future allegations.
Every hour you wait gives the police more time — without challenge — to build a case against you.
You may think it’ll blow over. It won’t.
Even a voluntary interview can end in a criminal charge, a court date, and national press coverage.
Don’t risk it. Speak to MMA Law now — before it’s too late.
We understand the fear. We know the law. And we protect your future. Discreetly, expertly, and without judgement.
With us, you’ll get:
Contact us today.
We will assess your eligibility for Legal Aid and if you are not eligible, we will provide you with an agreed fee to represent you to conclusion of your case.
Get Your Free ConsultationService and support was great thank you.
Conor ThompsonMcGee McGee Agar Law Ltd, Amazing from start to finish, really welcoming, very knowledgeable and helped me and my family through a very difficult time. Using all the experience and knowledge they have, they helped me towards the correct verdict and helping me move forward in me life. Me and my f...
Stuart ReevesI would like to take this opportunity to Thank McGee McGee Agar Law namely Matthew Agar and Alex for the support, help and assistance they gave us through a very stressful period in our lives. I cannot recommend them highly enough and again Thank you so much and would have no hesitation in recomm...
Sheryl ButtersWe were supported by McGee McGee Agar Law through a really challenging time, they were not only outstanding at supporting us legally through a really tough time, but we also felt that they were emotionally supportive and invested in our case, and simply put we would have not managed without them....
Thea ZimmermannPaul McGee and the team handled my case very well and had all my charges dropped I can’t thank them enough for the outstanding work. They put my mind at ease thanks Hayley Mitchison
HayleyCan’t thank Cheryl and marriyah enough for everything they’ve done! I am so pleased with the outcome, best solicitors, thankyou for everything
Megan GilleyMcGee McGee agar law supported me through both my divorce and child custody arrangements, through this difficult time they were supportive and thorough with their advice and guidance, I feel that the results obtained in both cases would not have been as positive with any other representation, I woul...
Michael BartliffFinding the courage to sieze an opportunity to leave an abusive marriage, I knew I needed a solicitor I could trust. Having know Matthew for a number of years and working alongside him professionally, there was no one else I would have turned to. Matthew and his team were fantastic. I felt supported...
Carly Devon-BroughI’d firstly like to thank Paul and team for the support during a difficult time. First class professional who knows his job that good. Fully recommend MMA as they are supportive and really know what to do and the win. Wish you all the very best. 100%.
Michael ThompsonI would definatly reccomend. They have all been so helpful, understanding and caring throughout. My divorce is now complete and i am really happy with the service i recieved. Thank you.
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