I think the point of the thread has been missed or forgotten.

The main point was evidence. Why is it that the word of someone isn't accepted in all cases?

If I saw UTCYA smash a car window and reported that, in the face of a denial and there being no other evidence whatsoever, what I said wouldn't result in a charge let alone a trial.

It's very dangerous ground to just take someone's word for something.

Here's a scenario:-

You're a policeman and during the course of your service you're on duty for all sorts of unsocial hours. You and your wife gradually grow a little apart and due to close proximity to that nice, attractive policewoman, eventually things take a different course......

Wifey then get's a bit aggrieved, alienates the children and eventually accuses (now) ex-hubby of impropriety with the children.... (see where this is going?)

You have had the opportunity to "do all sorts of things" during time alone with the children when on outings alone with them, bathing them, putting them to bed, getting them up and ready for school......

How would you defend yourself against such accusations?

You've been accused, you're suspended from your job, it's causing problems with your new relationship, everyone knows what you've been accused of but what can you do?

Even if you "escaped" without being charged, the stigma would always be hanging over you and there'd be nodding, head-shaking, knowing glances and "there's no smoke without fire".......

There's no easy answer but what's yours?