HAMPSHIRE and Isle of Wight Constabulary has conceded there were “delays” to an investigation which led to an Isle of Wight man – now acquitted – having an attempted rape allegation hanging over his head for more than three years.

Yesterday afternoon (Thursday), Harry Walls, of Swanmore Road, Ryde, was cleared of two serious sexual assault allegations.

The 19-year-old had been charged with, and always denied, attempted rape of a female aged 16 or over, and assault of a female aged 16 or over by penetration, on November 1, 2020.

After a short period of deliberation, members of the jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty.

At the trial, criticism was levelled at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary for its “inaction” during a prolonged investigation.

Members of the jury were told the case had taken far too long to be investigated and brought to court, and mobile phones were not examined.

Also, the court heard the complainant gave details to police of people who were at the party, and most were never approached by officers.

The incident was reported to police on December 16, 2020.

Following an “initial investigation”, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary told the County Press a new officer in the case was appointed on the Isle of Wight in early 2022, and the CPS were consulted for investigative advice in May 2022.

Mr Walls was subsequently charged in May 2023, and his trial was finally heard in March 2024

“We accept that there were delays in this investigation which prevented a charging decision from being reached sooner," said a spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.

"And we understand the impact that delays of this nature can have on victims, their families and their wellbeing.

“We regularly review our service to the public to identify any opportunities to improve practises, and ensure we are providing the highest possible standard of service to victims and our communities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

“We take all allegations of sexual offences very seriously, and we work closely with independent support services to ensure victims are provided with the best and most compassionate support at what can be an extremely difficult time in their life.

“Sexual offences are often some of the most complex crime types we investigate.

“It can take time to gather sufficient evidence to bring an investigation up to charging standard, and the time from reporting to file submission to the CPS can vary from case to case.”