You prosecute Luke, the leader of a community youth group, w…
You prosecute Luke, the leader of a community youth group, who has pleaded not guilty to a charge of ABH on Verity, a 13-year-old girl who attends the group. The allegation is that Luke lost his temper with Verity when she failed to comply with group rules during an activity session and held her tightly by her arms, causing extensive bruising. He states that there was a verbal exchange between him and Verity due to her refusing to put out a cigarette he caught her smoking on group premises. He states that Verity has previously threatened to report him for things he denies. Luke asserts that Verity has previously made two separate allegations against teachers at her school which were not proceeded with, which supports the fact that she makes false allegations. He therefore requests disclosure of school records relating to allegations against teachers by Verity and any records confirming the existence of bruising to her arms and the dates of such records. Verity confirms that there were incidents at school in which she made allegations of assault against teachers. The disclosure officer tells you that he has contacted the school and they do not wish to release any records. What is the best course of action for you to take in light of the assertions Luke makes about the records the school may hold?