Child sex abuse trial: Shelley Davies cleared of conspiring to rape young girl

As the prosecution in the Rotherham abuse case concluded its case today against five men and two women on a total of 63 charges, Her Honour Judge Sarah Wright instructed the jury to deliver a not guilty verdict against one of the three charges Davies faces.

Judge Wright said in relation to count 16 — a joint charge between Davies, Karen MacGregor, Arshid Hussain and Qurban Ali of conspiracy to rape between 1993 and 1995 — there was insufficient evidence in relation to Davies.

Judge Wright said: “There’s no evidence that she had any knowledge the complainant would be raped, ie forced to have sex without her consent.

“I am going to direct you to return a verdict of not guilty in relation to Shelley Davies and count 16.”

The alleged offence was said to have taken place at MacGregor’s home where the complainant said she was forced to have sex with men.

All the defendants deny the charges against them.

The trial continues.