Last month my complaint against my rapist’s defence lawyer was upheld and he’d been found to have “abused his position”. Today, I learned of the penalty. He will be fined, ordered to pay me compensation, and issued with a “severe written censure”. Misogyny has consequences.
This has been an immensely hard-fought battle, and I’m so proud of myself for finding the strength to pursue this. I was devastated after all he subjected me to in court, but I knew he had to be held to account. Lorenzo Alonzi lost my rapist’s case, and he lost this too.
I do think however, that the consequences are not severe enough. The fine is £2,000 and the compensation payment is £1,000. While I’m pleased that there will be a material cost to him, and this will serve as a warning to others, the amounts are pitiful.
I had to take a considerable amount of time away from work after the trauma he subjected me to in court, and yet what he has to pay is probably a drop in the ocean compared to the fee he’s received for taking the case.
In the report, it’s clear that he is not sorry for his actions and more focused on his own reputation being damaged. Not the immense harm he’s caused me and his own profession. He does not have to apologise to me, and so I’m robbed of closure.
The complaints committee was clear that his conduct was inappropriate and unacceptable. Not only that, but the impact on public confidence is also significant. His actions could deter others from coming forward about their own rapes.
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