Evidential Issues in Rape Cases

In a locked post a friend of mine expressed her deep distress at this story:

BBC: Men cleared as rape woman's group sex fantasy revealed

I posted some comments and another friend asked me to repost them so as to give further opportunity for discussion, so here they are.


( Why the case was probably dropped )

Someone then asked why there should be a presumption that the victim should be disbelieved. My explanation was as follows:

EDIT: A couple of commenters took issue with the way I phrased this, particularly penguineggs here. Their points are fair ones and see my response there for clarification of what I say below.

( Presumptions about consent )