Charges for Paul Slowe on allegations of sexual assault and breaches of victim anonymity

After a thorough investigation into allegations of sexual assault and subsequent breaches of victim anonymity laws, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has recommended criminal charges against retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Paul Slowe.

The recommendation follows an in-depth probe into Slowe’s alleged malicious behaviour.

The case stems from a complaint filed by a female, who accused Slowe of sexually assaulting her. The police investigation revealed that, despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Slowe had publicly attacked the victim on social media, exacerbating the emotional trauma she had already suffered.

These actions directly contravened the protections offered to sexual offence victims under the Sexual Offences Act, which aims to ensure anonymity and prevent further harm.

The police completed their investigation and submitted the file to the DPP’s office for legal advice. On Thursday, the DPP returned the file with the recommendation to charge Slowe with ‘Anonymity for Complaint in Press Reporting’, a criminal offence under the Sexual Offences Act.

As a result, Slowe is expected to appear before the court on Friday to face these charges.

This development adds another chapter to Slowe’s ongoing legal issues. In August 2024, he was investigated for a separate sexual offence allegation, while also facing charges for a prior matter of a similar nature.

The case gained further attention due to Slowe’s actions on social media, where he allegedly launched a campaign of harassment against the victim, causing her to endure additional trauma.

Slowe, who was charged with three counts of sexual assault in October 2021, has yet to stand trial for those charges, which are still pending before the Magistrate’s Court.