Leave for appeal against rape conviction denied

Tuesday 12 December 2023

A convicted rapist serving three years youth detention has failed to obtain approval to lodge an appeal against the criminal conviction at the first stage, but a renewed attempt is possible.

Freddie Christian Trenchard, now known as Alyssa Christine Trenchard, was found guilty of raping a younger female in 2021 following a three day Royal Court trial in July.

Following the sentencing hearing in October an ambition to appeal the conviction itself was revealed.

But the Bailiff, presiding as a single judge of the Court of Appeal, yesterday refused to grant an extension of time or leave to appeal the rape conviction, saying the arguments presented failed to meet the necessary legal tests. 

Trenchard can submit renewed applications to the full plenary court, however. 

Trenchard’s advocate, Oliver Fattorini, argued that there were “material differences” in the evidence presented to the court during the trial and what was detailed in a subsequent victim impact statement.

Prosecuting Advocate Phoebe Cobb rejected this, saying it wasn’t inconsistent with the prosecution case generally and that the grounds for appeal had no merits. 

The prosecution also plans to appeal the youth detention sentence handed to Trenchard which it views as too lenient – but this is still yet to be heard by the courts.

It’s expected a hearing will take place for that next week.