Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Slowe was acquitted of three sexual assault charges on Friday after Magistrate Fabayo Azore ruled that the evidence from both the prosecution and defense held equal weight. As a result, the court was required to give the benefit of the doubt to the accused.
Despite the not guilty verdict, the police have announced their intention to appeal the ruling. Magistrate Azore explained that the court was unable to determine with certainty that Slowe was guilty. She emphasized that this conclusion did not imply that the complainant fabricated her account; rather, it indicated that the prosecution did not meet the high standard of proof necessary in criminal cases.
The charges, brought under Section 4(3) of the Sexual Offences Act, Chapter 8:03, stemmed from a report submitted 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 represented the prosecution.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had recommended criminal charges against Slowe in February 2025 following a thorough investigation of the allegations after the initial complaint was lodged. The appeal process will further scrutinize the legal proceedings surrounding the case.
