Changes to the Scottish justice system have allowed the alleged attacker of an Aberdeenshire pensioner to walk free.
Barbara Riddel has lived in her Aberdeenshire cottage for forty years. A year ago the 81-year-old claims she was sexually assaulted by a man she knows.
He was arrested and charged, and prosecutors decided there was enough evidence to take him to court. But recently Barbara was told by the area's procurator fiscal that her alleged attacker would no longer face a court appearance.
Ms Riddel said: "I was just sitting there tears coming out of my eyes. He was practically greeting as well, because he didn't think it was right that should have happened, but he says their hands are tied and they can't do a thing about it."
Following a case raised by Scots teen Peter Cadder the law was changed banning evidence collected in police interviews where an accused hasn't been given access to a lawyer.
In a statement the Crown Office said: "In the light of the Supreme Court's recent judgement in the Cadder case Crown Counsel have reviewed Mrs Riddel's case and concluded that there is now insufficient evidence to proceed. The case is now closed."
The change in the law has been made to comply with the European Convention on Human Rights.
Labour’s Justice Spokesman Richard Baker said: "This started with not having a bent banana and all that stupid kind of thing, but now they have got onto the laws of Britain they shouldn't be allowed to change them whatsoever."
Ms Riddel did her first bungee jump in her 70s. But she admits the stress of the last year has shaken her.
"I'm scared that he comes back. One of my children told me to get a baseball bat and keep it in the kitchen in case he comes back, but I have no freedom left, I can't do as I like."
