Where counts arise from the same episode of alleged offending, different verdicts are not inconsistent if the degree of independent corroborating evidence differs between counts. The failure of police to locate physical evidence (here, a pencil) can rationally explain an acquittal on one count while a conviction on a related count is supported by other corroborative evidence. Clear judicial directions in the summing-up can cure any confusion arising from the Crown's presentation of its case.
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