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Jury Begins Deliberations in Rape Trial of Heaven Nightclub Guard

Jurors retired to deliberate following closing arguments that emphasised the defendant’s false identity, the complainant’s intoxication and the medical evidence.

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Overview

  • On May 29 at Southwark Crown Court, jurors were sent out to reach a verdict after final arguments were delivered.
  • Prosecutor Marion Smullen described 47-year-old Morenikeji Adewole as “a proven liar” based on his history of using fraudulent documents and false statements.
  • The court heard that Adewole secured employment at Heaven nightclub under the alias Olusola Julius Alabi while on a tourist visa that did not permit work.
  • Toxicology reports revealed the 19-year-old complainant’s blood-alcohol level exceeded the legal driving limit by more than threefold, challenging her capacity to consent.
  • Defense counsel argued that any sexual contact was consensual, that Adewole denied penetration and that he ceased activity upon learning the alleged victim’s age.