Rape trial collapses after 'alleged victim uses AI to prepare her answers in court'

By FRANCINE WOLFISZ, NEWS REPORTER Published: 00:38, 28 July 2026 | Updated: 00:39, 28 July 2026 A rape trial collapsed after the alleged victim used an AI chatbot to prepare her cross-examination in court. Known as C, the woman claimed the defendant, R, had sex with her while she was under the influence of alcohol and drugs and therefore unable to consent. C had been in a relationship with R which had ended just weeks before the alleged rape. But the case at Lewes Crown Court was dismissed after the alleged victim admitted using AI ahead of giving evidence. Logs of her conversations showed she had asked the chatbot about preparing her narrative on events that night, consent and capacity, physical evidence and her 'behaviour after'. The barrister representing R said it would be impossible to gauge how far C's testimony had been influenced by AI, meaning there would not be a fair trial. Ruling on the case, the Court of Appeal said that using AI to prepare for trial in this way can amount to 'witness coaching', which is strictly prohibited in the UK. A rape trial collapsed at Lewes Crown Court after the alleged victim used an AI chatbot to prepare her cross-examination The Court of Appeal said: 'All witnesses, whether for the prosecution or defence, should be firmly discouraged from resorting to the use of AI to prepare for giving evidence. 'An honest witness may alter the emphasis of his evidence to accommodate what he thinks may be a different, more accurate, or simply better remembered perception of events.  'A dishonest witness will very rapidly calculate how his testimony may be "improved".' The Court of Appeal added that there should be a retrial at the 'earliest opportunity'. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.