Sam Willis

• R v. N & ors [Newcastle] 2020

  Fraudulent Evasion of Duty

  Sam Willis was instructed as led-junior in this 12-handed tobacco importation matter. The overall duty evaded was calculated to be over £2.6 million. Preparation for the case required extensive analysis of mobile telephone billing data.

• R v K [Lewes] 2019

  Stalking

  Sam Willis, led by Paul Walker, defended in this five-week trial involving allegations of stalking. The prosecution evidence consisted of 74,000 pages of Facebook extracts and computer downloads. The ability to analyse large quantities of digital evidence was crucial to the defence case - it led to a 40-page defence bundle being placed before the jury to provide context and balance to the 550-page prosecution bundles.

• R v. K [Snaresbrook] 2019

  Supply Drugs

  Sam Willis acted for this defendant accused of supplying cannabis. The case involved careful analysis of evidence served late by the prosecution, including a report by a drugs expert, mobile telephone downloads and forensic drug analysis.
   

• R v. L [Woolwich] 2019

  Theft

  Sam Willis was instructed in this two-day trial. The case involved alibi evidence, and required carefully-planned cross-examination of a Police Constable purporting to recognise the defendant from poor quality CCTV. During the first trial, the jury had to be discharged - the prosecution dropped the charges just before the re-trial was due to begin.

• R v M [Woolwich Crown Court] 2019

  Assault on an Emergency Worker

  Sam Willis acted for this defendant who was acquitted after a three day trial. The defendant was of good character and was seen on police 'bodyworn video' striking a police constable to the throat. The issue for the jury was self defence.

• R v G [Cambridge] 2019

  Battery

  Sam Willis prosecuted this assault allegation, where the defendant was unfit to be tried. After legal submissions on the correct procedure to follow, the Magistrates heard the evidence and found that there had been a physical assault as alleged. Further submissions were then made on the proper disposal of the case.

• R v S [Reading] 2019

  Obstructing a Police Constable

  Sam Willis acted for this defendant, accused of obstructing a police officer during a stop and search. Following submissions on the grounds required before an individual can be searched, the District Judge acquitted the defendant.

• R v T [Ipswich] 2019

  Burglary

  Sam Willis acted for this defendant, accused of a commerical burglary based solely on DNA evidence. Following an application to dismiss, the prosecution conceded that the forensic evidence was insufficient for the matter to proceed to trial.

• R v R [Newcastle] 2019

  Theft

  Sam Willis was instructed in this 3 day theft trial involving various psychiatric and intermediary reports. Following an adverse verdict, a suspended sentence was secured through detailed mitigation using the medical evidence.

• R v H [Woolwich] 2019

  Battery

  Sam Willis prosecuted this appeal against conviction. The defendant had been convicted of assaulting a prison custody officer by squirting urine at him from inside his cell. The conviction was upheld.

• R v P [Wood Green] 2018

  Burglary

  Sam Willis acted for this defendant who was acquitted during a two day trial. A successful submission of no case to answer was made following cross-examination of a 'super recogniser' police constable.

Notable Cases