False allegations against men: a systemic anti-male problem
The problem of false allegations is a systemic one; one can argue that recent changes in law have made these more likely.

False allegations: sexual assault
The case of Mark Pearson, the man accused of a sexual assault on a woman in a crowded train station in London during rush hour marks a troubling new low in cases of this kind.

The assault was alleged to have taken place during the second or so when Pearson and the woman passed each other and video footage exists of the fleeting moment. Yet despite this Pearson was charged with sexual assault. Though acquitted he was deeply shaken by the experience.

The first Pearson heard of the accusations levelled against him was two months after the alleged ‘groping’ took place, when six policemen arrived on his doorstep. He had been traced via CCTV and data from his commuter card. He will never forget the journey to the station for questioning, because he was “shaking so much – wondering what the hell was going on.”

Although he was released that afternoon, four months later – out of the blue – charges were brought. Soon Pearson was waking up at 4am, his whole body “shaking every night​.“​

The case raises a number of questions regarding the treatment of the accused and the complainant. One is that Pearson was named publicly but the complainant was not. And despite being found innocent Pearson cannot name his accuser or even allude to information to her being identified. Should not the law provide anonymity for the accused also during the trial?

This is surely a case in which legislative change is required. Ireland has pre-conviction anonymity for the accused in cases of rape (but not sexual assault).