Cases
Cases
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Operation Dowl [C.C.C.] 2018
Suicide Terror Plot to Kill the Prime Minister
Mark Heywood QC represented the Crown in this case involving the plot by two individuals to kill the Prime Minister. The plan was to detonate a bomb at the gates of Downing Street and then kill Theresa May with a knife or gun.
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Operation Silk [Oxford] 2018
One of the UK's largest ever 'Grooming' Prosecutions
Orla Daly, led by Lousie Sweet QC, was instructed for the third defendant of eleven in one of the largest grooming cases ever prosecuted in the UK, lasting over six months. These historic allegations arose from the early 2000's. Instructed by Gary Bloxsome of Blackfords LLP.
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R v Alexander Blackman [Court Martial Appeal Court] 2017
Murder reduced to manslaughter following CCRC reference and second appeal
Jeffrey Israel and Senghin Kong led by Jonathan Goldberg QC and instructed under the Bar Direct Access scheme, represented former Royal Marine Sergeant Alexander Blackman (also known as “Marine A”) who succeeded after a long campaign for justice in having his conviction for murder reduced to manslaughter by diminished responsibility. The campaign was led by the renowned author Frederick Forsyth and the Daily Mail, and supported by thousands of members of the public.
The new legal team submitted a 100-page report to the CCRC in December 2015. A year later the CCRC referred the case back to the Court Martial Appeal Court who swiftly quashed the conviction for murder and imposed a sentence for manslaughter which would allow for the former sergeant’s almost immediate release. Outside Court after the sentencing hearing on 28 March 2017, the wife of Marine A, Mrs Claire Blackman said:
“We are overjoyed at the judges’ decision to significantly reduce Al’s sentence, such that he can be released imminently. This is the moment that we have all been fighting hard for. It is hard to believe that this day is finally here. There are so many people we must thank for getting us here. They include of course our brilliant legal team, Jonathan Goldberg QC, Jeffrey Israel and Senghin Kong, thank you all. They also include the fabulous Frederick Forsyth and the wonderful Richard Drax MP, both of whom have fought tirelessly in support of Al.”Mrs Blackman later added:
“Jeffrey consistently offered us calm, considered and professional advice. His patience knows no limits. His knowledge and observation skills meant that he was always open and honest - never promising anything he couldn't deliver. And he certainly delivered.”
“What Senghin doesn't know about the law and its application isn't worth knowing. His knowledge and attention to detail is incredible and yet his approach was always to help us clearly understand and explore solutions. Everyone needs a Senghin on their team.”To read more about this case please use the links below:
Daily Mail report on the sentencing (28 March 2017)
Telegraph report on the sentencing (28 March 2017)
The sentencing remarks (28 March 2017)
Daily Mail report on the conviction being quashed (15 March 2017)
Guardian report on the conviction being quashed (15 March 2017)
The appeal judgment (15 March 2017)
Joshua Rozenberg’s commentary in anticipation of the appeal hearing (5 February 2017)
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Operation Lunar [Birmingham] 2017
£Multi-Million HMRC Tax Avoidance Prosecution
Sarah Forshaw QC and Robert Ellison acted in the defence of this defendant charged with 10 others of a multi-million pound conspiracy to cheat HMRC. The fraud centred around multiple tax avoidance schemes. The charges were dismissed against our client following legal argument. The trial on the remaining defendants is listed for 6 months in 2019. Instructed by King and Spalding LLP.
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R v. Armstrong [Southwark] 2017
Alleged Rape in the Palace of Westminster
Sarah Forshaw QC represented Samuel Armstrong, Chief of Staff to conservative MP Craig Mackinley, whom was accused of raping and sexually assaulting a young woman following a drinking session after work in the bar at the Houses of Parliament. The case attracted considerable media attention. Mr Armstrong was cleared by a jury after an 9 day trial. Instructed by Taylor Haldane Barlex.
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Operation Canon [Southwark] 2016
£80m Ponzi Scheme
Sarah Forshaw QC, instructed by the SFO, successfully prosecuted this £80m "Ponzi" scheme. The defendants purported to be a successful supplier of electrical goods such as light bulbs, air conditioning units, trouser presses and televisions to major hotel chains such as the Marriott and Hilton. They also falsely claimed to be the preferred supplier of the Olympic village, ahead of the 2012 Games.
https://www.sfo.gov.uk/2016/05/24/ponzi-fraudsters-sentenced-total-21-years/
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R v. Max Clifford [Southwark] 2016
Defence of celebrity publicist for historic sexual assault
Sarah Forshaw QC leading Orla Daly were successful in their defence of the renowned celebrity publicist who was cleared of a further charge of historic sexual assault.
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Operation Cent [C.C.C.] 2013
Anti-corruption unit worldwide investigation re: bomb detection units
Jonathan Higgs QC leading Jonathan Polnay represented a defendant in the much publicised Old Bailey trial involving the worldwide sale of "fake" bomb detection devices. Instructed by Gary Bloxsome of Blackfords LLP.
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HMRC v Peter Storrie [Southwark] 2011
Former chief executive of Portsmouth City Football Club accused of cheating the public revenue
Natasha Wong QC was junior trial counsel for acquitted former chief executive of Portsmouth City Football Club accused of cheating the public revenue. Instructed by Paul Martin & Co.
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“Baby P” Murder Trial [C.C.C.] 2009
Notorious case involving the death of 17 month old Baby 'P'
Sue Rodham led by Tim Roberts QC acted in the Defence of the "lodger" in the notorious case involving the death of a 17 month old baby when the local authority and other agencies were heavily critisised with regard to the lack of protection of the child. The defendant was acquiteed on the murder allegation and was convicted only of allowing the death of the child at the hands of others. Successful appeal against sentence. Complicated and detailed case involving the consideration of an enormous amount of disclosed multi-agency material.
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