With evidence even, Slowe cleared of sexual assault charges but Police to appeal

Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Slowe was on Friday acquitted of three sexual assault charges after Magistrate Fabayo Azore ruled that the evidence presented by both the prosecution and defence carried equal weight and that the law therefore required the court to give the benefit of the doubt to the accused.

Despite the not guilty verdict, police have indicated they intend to appeal the ruling.

In delivering her decision, Magistrate Azore explained that the Court was unable to determine with certainty that Slowe was guilty. She noted that in such circumstances, the law requires that the benefit of the doubt be given to the accused.

The Magistrate further clarified that her conclusion did not mean the complainant had fabricated her account, but rather that the prosecution failed to meet the high standard of proof required in criminal matters.

The charges were brought under Section 4(3) of the Sexual Offences Act, Chapter 8:03, and related to charges made on October 15, 2021.

The matter stemmed from a report filed by a female police officer who alleged that Slowe sexually assaulted her on three occasions during March and April 2019 at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary. Senior Police Legal Advisor Mandel Moore appeared on behalf of the prosecution.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had recommended criminal charges against Slowe in February 2025, following an in-depth investigation into the allegations after the complaint was lodged.