Cases
Cases
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R v A [Southampton Crown Court] 2024
Large Scale Dealing of Drugs & Firearms Possession
The 9-week trial concerned large scale drug dealing and the possession of numerous firearms. Paul and Liam`s client was said to be a “Leading Role” Class A drug dealer. Mr A accepted he was involved in the drugs trade, but categorically denied possession of the guns which were allegedly found at his “safe-house”. Leading counsel for the crown described the prosecution case against Mr A as “comprehensive and compelling”. After considering Paul`s closing speech the jury disagreed. Mr A was acquitted on all the counts the jury had to determine.
Junior – Liam Sneddon
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R v TW & Anor [Snaresbrook Crown Court] 2024
Two Guilty of Child Abuse
Two defendants pleaded guilty to causing or allowing a little boy (under 3 yrs) to suffer serious physical injuries, including: an intracranial injury; fractured jaw; multiple compression vertebral (backbone) fractures (chest level); laceration and swelling to the scalp; damage to the brain tissue; multiple bruises and lacerations.
Catherine was instructed as leading counsel for the prosecution
News reports here:
https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/24418960.brentwood-man-woman-face-prison-childs-abuse/
https://www.essexlive.news/news/essex-news/faces-brentwood-man-woman-who-9375522
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N v O [Salisbury Crown Court] 2024
Aggravated Burglary
Mr O was accused of aggravated burglary. A number of armed men had stolen items from the complainant`s bedroom in the early hours of the morning. Mr O was apprehended nearby. He was 65 miles away from home, wearing a balaclava, gloves and a stab-proof vest. The victim`s wallet was found at Mr O`s feet. His case was that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The jury returned a verdict of not guilty.
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R v GH [Chelmsford Crown Court] 2024
Application to Dismiss
William successfully made an application to dismiss on behalf of his client, who was charged with allowing serious injury to her child. After analysing the Crown’s medical evidence and the previous family proceedings, William successfully argued that there was insufficient evidence for a properly directed jury to convict. Instructed by Paul Martin & Co.
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R v KS [Senior Courts Cost Office] 2023
Costs Appeal
William appealed against the decision of the Determining Officer at the Legal Aid Agency (“LAA”) in respect of his claim for considering unused material under the Advocate’s Graduated Fees Scheme (‘AGFS’). Costs Judge Whelan agreed with William’s submissions that “consideration of unused material” should be given a “relatively broad interpretation” as opposed to the LAA’s restrictive interpretation, which sought to exclude time spent cross-referencing documents.
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R v T [Snaresbrook Crown Court] 2023
Perverting the course of justice (murder)
Rupert Kent was instructed by the CPS Homicide Team as a junior alone in this single-handed prosecution relating to activities, conducted 24 hours after a murder, that were intended to remove the murderer from the scene of the crime, hide him from the police overnight, and then remove him from London the following day.
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R v G [Leeds Crown Court] 2023
Conspiracy to Produce Cannabis
In this case Paul`s client was said to be the 2nd in command of a large-scale conspiracy to produce cannabis. There were a number of cannabis farms throughout Yorkshire. Mr G was filmed using an anti-surveillance device to check for trackers. He was recorded allegedly discussing the grows with fellow conspirators and it was said that cell site evidence placed him at the location of the cannabis farms. The trial lasted for 7 weeks and involved challenging issues of law, a complex factual matrix and unusual ethical problems. Following Paul`s speech (which was praised by both leading and junior prosecution counsel and the Judge) Mr G was unanimously acquitted.
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R v K [Southwark CC] 2023
Conspiracy to Steal
Mr K was accused of conspiring to steal £1m in a cash-in-transit “staged” robbery. The Crown`s case was that it was an inside job. The investigation, undertaken by the Flying Squad was meticulous. The evidence, according to Crown counsel, was “overwhelming”. Mr K did not give evidence. Paul`s speech was described by a co-defending barrister as being “simply brilliant”. Mr K was unanimously acquitted.
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Operation Forte [Croydon] 2023
Spree of commercial burglaries across London committed by OCG
Sam Willis, led by Charlotte Hole, prosecuted this case of an OCG committing a spree of commercial burglaries across London. The group targeted bookmakers and other shops, typically breaking in during the night using sledgehammers and then cutting open the shop's safe using power tools. Investigated by the Flying Squad, the evidence against the eight defendants was presented over four weeks and included CCTV, covert surveillance, forensics, mobile telephone downloads, and cell site mapping.
Sam was instructed by the CPS Complex Casework Unit.
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/croydon-burglary-gang-jailed-met-flying-squad-b1088840.html
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R v BL [Wood Green Crown Court] 2023
Conspiracy to Supply Class A drugs
Alejandra was instructed as the Leading Junior to represent BL who was charged with Conspiracy to Supply Class A drugs. The case related to a large-scale conspiracy to supply drugs across the UK, involving voluminous telephone downloads, covert observations and police intelligence records.
The trial was halted during the Crown’s case and the jury was discharged.
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R v Bricka [Portsmouth Crown Court] 2023
Multiple Counts Stalking & Perverting the Course of Justice
Olivia Haggar, led by Paul Walker, represented a client charged with ten counts of Stalking and one count of Perverting the Course of Justice. The case concerned a prolonged campaign of stalking, described by Sussex Police as one of the most complex stalking cases they had ever investigated. Instructed by Andrew Bishop, Bishop & Light.
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Operation Arabica [Isleworth Crown Court] 2023
Conspiracy to Burgle
Phoebe was led junior in the prosecution of 8 defendants accused of conspiracies to burgle Tiffany & Co, Hermes and other luxury goods stores across Knightsbridge.
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R v JB [Woolwich Crown Court] 2023
Rape, ABH and Bladed Article
Alejandra, acting on behalf of the CPS, prosecuted JB who was charged with three counts of rape, ABH and threats with a bladed article.
The Crown’s case was that JB had booked the complainant via an esort service to attend his home for companionship. Upon the complainant attending, JB refused to pay for her services and instead raped her vaginally and orally before assaulting her.
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R v DA [Cardiff Crown Court] 2023
Kidnap, False Imprisonment & Blackmail
As led junior Phoebe defends in a 12 handed trial involving allegations of kidnap, false imprisonment and blackmail. The prosecution allege that a Harrow gang kidnapped a number of men in Wales and transported one back to London where he was held for ransom. Phoebe is led by Jeffrey Israel.
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R v ZW [Snaresbrook Crown Court] 2022
Possession with Intent to Supply Class A Drugs
Ria was instructed to represent ZW who was the sole tenant of a property where a significant quantity of Class A drugs were found. Ria successfully argued that a video ostensibly showing ZW preparing crack cocaine was inadmissible, leading to the video being excluded and the Crown offering no evidence.
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R v S, B, P, Q, R [Snaresbrook] 2022
Conspiracy to Supply Class A Drugs
Leading Dominic Hockley, 2HB – prosecution of an organised crime group identified through Operation Venetic, involving Encrochat and SkyECC material. The group had conspired to supply wholesale quantities of Class A drugs, and weapons including a Skorpion machine pistol and handguns.
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Anjorin [2022] EWCA Crim 1931 2022
Appeal of Conspiracy to Supply Class A drugs
Alejandra represented the Appellant at the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) on an appeal against sentence following the imposition of a 28-month sentence of immediate imprisonment at Norwich Crown Court, following guilty pleas to two counts of Conspiracy to Supply Class A drugs.
It was successfully argued that the sentencing judge had failed to apply any discount to the Appellant’s sentence for personal circumstances and personal mitigation.
Following successful appeal, the sentence was reduced to 24 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years.
https://crimeline.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/anjorin.pdf
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R v CS [Southwark Crown Court] 2022
ABH, Malicious Communications & Racially Aggravated Harassment with Violence
William represented the Crown in a domestic abuse case. The Defendant made a series of threats to the victim - his ex-partner - over a two-month period and attacked her with a knife, causing injury. The defendant was unanimously convicted of all five counts, assessed as dangerous, and sentenced to four years’ imprisonment with licence extended to five years.
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R v O & Others [Sheffield Crown Court] 2022
Fraud
Conspiracy to possess fraudulent ID documents. Multi-handed case. Only defendant to be acquitted.
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R v JD & Others [Isleworth Crown Court] 2022
Import of Class A Drugs - ONGOING
Alejandra is being led by John Okajov of 2 Harcourt Buildings in prosecuting Operation Genie. The Defendants are charged with offences relating to the importation of cocaine from Colombia though London Heathrow Airport. It is alleged that arrangements for couriers, collection and transportation of the class A drugs were made through EncoChat and various other Telephones.
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R v CK [Central Criminal Court] 2022
Perverting the Course of Justice - ONGOING
Alejandra is being led by Liam Walker QC of Doughty Street Chambers in representing CK, a well known rapper on the Urban music scene. CK is charged with perverting the course of justice and possession of ammunition without a firearm certificate following a gang related tit-for-tat shooting on the Harrow Road in 2019.
The five-month trial took place in 2022, following which the jury were unable to reach verdicts for CK. A re-trial is due to take place in October 2023.
News Reports:
https://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/news/crime/four-men-due-trial-after-craig-small-killing-8025776
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-48926769
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-49659365
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R v AL [Luton Crown Court] 2022
Conspiracy to Produce Cannabis
James Martin, leading Anna Dutka, successfully submitted there was no case to answer against the client in this 4-handed conspiracy to produce cannabis and the Judge directed not guilty verdicts. The case also involved a shoot-out over one of the cannabis factories and attracted local media attention.
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R v Charkaoui & Ors [Southwark] 2022
Conspiracy to supply 250kgs of Cocaine
Lead prosecution counsel in a five-handed large-scale drug supply conspiracy. The main two-defendants were alleged to have been involved in the supply of 250kgs of cocaine over a two-year period. Instructed by CPS, SCU.
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R v AO [Central Criminal Court] 2022
GBH & other charges
Defended in R. v. AO, Central Criminal Court: sole defendant (of 4) to be acquitted by the jury of all charges: conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm, conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life, violent disorder. This case related to a linked series of shootings.
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R v MA [Snaresbrook Crown Court] 2022
Robbery
Defendant did not give evidence and was acquitted.
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Operation Venetic [Southwark Crown Court] 2022
Conspiracy to Supply Cocaine
Leading junior. Five-handed conspiracy to supply cocaine trial. Evidence obtained as part of Operation Venetic. Defendants alleged to be involved in conspiracy to supply £10m of cocaine. [Instructed by CPS, SCU]
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R v AD [Bournemouth Crown Court] 2022
Child Destruction
Alejandra was led by James Newton-Price QC of Pump Court Chambers is representing AD who was charged with child destruction, wounding with intent and perverting the course of justice. The prosecution case was that AD assaulted his pregnant partner by delivering blows to the stomach that caused the placental abruption that led to the baby’s still birth.
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R v MB & GB [Salisbury Crown Court] 2022
Fraud, Willful Neglect & Theft
Alejandra was led by Mark Ruffell of Pump Court Chambers in prosecuting MB and GB. The Defendants were charged with fraud, willful neglect, and theft, arising out of their supply of care services to a large number od disabled and vulnerable adults. It was alleged that MB and GB were overcharging for the provision of care, stealing money from the individuals that they cared for and willfully neglecting the same individuals.
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R v LV [Nottingham Crown Court] 2022
Defence of vulnerable client
Defence of a vulnerable client who was assisted by an intermediary, acquitted of 10 of the 11 charges after trial and sentenced to a conditional discharge.
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R v B [Snaresbrook Crown Court] 2022
s.18 (GBH)
Following CCTV edvidence defendant was acquitted.
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R v N [Nottingham Crown Court] 2022
ABH Against Prison Officers
Jonathan represented one of the few remaining IPP prisoners who at this point had served 16 years for attempted robbery. 3 counts of ABH against prison officers. Defendant made admissions in court and the assaults were caught on CCTV. Acquitted unanimously.
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R v EH [Lewes Crown Court] 2022
Conspiracy to convey items into prisons
Defendant acquitted in multi-handed conspiracy to convey items into prisons.
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R v IB [Central Criminal Court] 2022
Money Laundering
Defended in R. v. IB: 2022, Central Criminal Court at Nightingale Court: acquitted of money laundering and jury could not agree on multiple charges of offering Class A drugs.
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Operation Localizer [Kingston Crown Court] 2022
Conspiracy to Supply Class A
Leading Junior. Seven-handed conspiracy to supply cocaine allegation. Evidence comes from Operation Venetic material and surveillance operation [Instructed by CPS, London].
Six defendants convicted; no evidence offered against the seventh.
Sentence awaited.
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R v AB [Westminster Magistrates Court] 2022
Careless driving by a serving police officer
Prosecution of a serving police officer for careless driving, instructed by the CPS Complex Casework Unit.
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R v BH [Westminster Magistrates Court] 2021
Harrassment
Prosecution of the harassment of a MP, instructed by the CPS Complex Casework Unit.
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R v IA & Others [Southwark Crown Court] 2021
Conspiracy Class A Drugs & Firearms
Ria was led by James Martin in this multi-kilo Class A drugs conspiracy involving firearms. The case featured extensive Encrochat, probe and surveillance evidence.
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R v SR [Wood Green Crown Court] 2021
Trial (being concerned in the supply of cocaine)
William was instructed to represent a client in a Crown Court trial. The Crown’s case was that the client had been operating a prominent drugs phone over the course of four months. This burner phone had been seized from the police at an address where the defendant and three other persons were arrested (however only the defendant had been charged). The Crown sought to adduce thousands of pages of cell site evidence to attribute the phone to the client as opposed to the other three persons found at the address.
William was only instructed one working day before the trial (due to previous counsel being unable to deal with the case) and no cell site expert had been instructed (due to late service of cell site data and the client not authorising an application for an adjournment). Notwithstanding these constraints, William was able to successfully highlight the significant limitations of the cell site evidence and secure an acquittal for the client.
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R v MS [Southwark Crown Court] 2021
Football related affray
Prosecution of a football-related affray, securing a conviction and a successful application for a Football Banning Order.
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R v DC [Huntingdon Crown Court] 2021
Trial (Breach of Restraining Order x 3; Harassment (with fear of violence); Common Assault)
William was instructed to represent a client in two trials. In the first trial, during Williams’s cross-examination, the complainant claimed to have a “record of pretty much no violence whatsoever” and that he was “not a violent person”. After making an impromptu non-defendant bad character application, William was able to adduce the complainant’s four cautions for common assault, whilst successfully preventing his client’s bad character from also being adduced. The client was acquitted of four out of five charges and subsequently pleaded guilty to a “second strike” bladed article offence (the second trial), resulting in a six-month conditional charge for all convictions. Instructed by Geoff White Solicitors.
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R v AS [Bromley Youth Court] 2021
Trial (Wounding with Intent)
William was instructed to represent a 15-year-old client in a three-day, two-handed Youth Court trial (Certificate for Counsel granted). The Crown sought to adduce the complainant’s evidence as hearsay under section 116(2)(e) (the complaint had stated he was in fear but also did not want to be seen as a “grass”) and the defendant’s initial account to police (not taken under caution) under section 114(d). William successfully opposed both of these applications in oral and written submissions. At the close of the prosecution case (and after skeleton arguments from both sides), the Court determined that there was insufficient evidence for any reasonable court properly to convict and the case was dismissed. Instructed by Joseph Hill & Co.
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R v Golding [Lewes CC] 2021
GBH
Mr G faced allegations of GBH. The complainant was a charity worker, said to have been viciously assaulted in his shop. The Crown relied on a number of independent civilian witnesses. Following cross-examination by Paul the witnesses accepted that their perception of events may have been mistaken. Mr G was unanimously acquitted.
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Operation Nimrod [Southwark Crown Court] 2021
Supply of pharmaceutical drugs to black market
Prosecution of pharmacists in the wholesale illegal supply of pharmaceutical drugs to the black market (led junior).
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R v AB [Winchester Crown Court] 2021
Manslaughter & Attempted Robbery
Alejandra was led by Sarah Jones QC of Pump Court Chambers who was charged with manslaughter and attempted robbery.
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R v MMJ [Woolwich Crown Court] 2021
Attempted Murder & Wounding with Intent
Alejandra was instructed as sole counsel to represent MMJ, a youth, charged with attempted murder and wounding with intent following a gang-related stabbing in South East London.
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R v Cole [Reading Magistrates Court] 2021
Burglary
Olivia Haggar successfully prosecuted this individual for burglary of a quadbike. The offence was committed the day before the homicide of PC Andrew Harper, and came to light during the wider investigation.
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R v KR [Maidstone Crown Court] 2021
Dwelling burglary and dangerous driving
William was instructed to represent a client who had pleaded guilty to dwelling burglary and dangerous driving and not-guilty to two counts of attempted burglary. Following representations being made to the CPS, the Crown offered no evidence on the attempted burglary counts. Citing the case of R v Jessemey [2021] EWCA Crim 175, William successfully argued that the Crown Court’s sentencing powers were limited to those of the Magistrates’ Court and he was able to secure an eight-month suspended sentence for his client. Instructed by Thomas Boyd Whyte.
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R v YM [Harrow Court Court] 2021
Theft by deception
Theft of property and assets of elderly women by deception.
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R v JC [Chelmsford Youth Court] 2021
Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs x 2
William was instructed to represent a youth client who was charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. Following representations being made to the CPS’ reviewing lawyer regarding the positive NRM referral and the inherent weaknesses of the Crown’s case, the Crown discontinued the charges. Instructed by Paul Martin & Co
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R v B [Portsmouth CC] 2021
GBH of a Child
Mr B, a man in his 40s, was alleged to have caused GBH to a 14 year old child. The defence was that, despite Mr B`s previous convictions for violence, on this occasion he was acting in self-defence. Mr B was found Not Guilty.
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R v TB [Highbury Youth Court] 2021
Conspiracy to commit robbery
William was instructed to represent a youth client who was charged with conspiracy to commit robbery with two others. William drafted a Section 78 PACE argument seeking to exclude the entirety of Crown’s cell-site evidence, which resulted in the Crown discontinuing the proceedings against his client. Instructed by Edwards Duthie Shamash.
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Operation Antelope [Maidstone] 2021
Aggravated Burglary
Three-handed aggravated burglary [Instructed by CPS, Kent]. Defendants sentenced to over thirty years’ imprisonment.
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R v AB [Newcastle Crown Court] 2021
Death by Careless Driving
Defended in R. v. AB, Newcastle Crown Court, death by careless driving.
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R v JL & Others [Newcastle] 2021
National Supply of Wholesale Class A Drugs
Gordon Carse represented the defendant who was alleged to have run cannabis farms and conspired in the national supply of wholesale quantities of Class A drugs. Following section 8 applications and written submissions that there was no case to answer, the Crown offered no further evidence and the Jury returned directed verdicts of not guilty.
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R v D, H, H, M, D, L-F [Guildford Crown Court] 2021
Conspiracy to Convey Drugs into Prison
Instructed as junior alone to prosecute a multihanded conspiracy to convey drugs into prison, involving admissibility of intercepted telephone calls.
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R v CU & others [Kingston] 2020
Commercial Burglary
Prosecution of twelve defendants in relation to a string of high value commercial burglaries involving the theft of rare and precious books. Led by Catherine Farrelly.
News reports:
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/sep/18/rare-books-stolen-london-heist-found-floor-romania
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R v T & Others [Wood Green] 2020
Conspiracy to Import Class A Drugs
Led junior for the prosecution in a case alleging a large conspiracy to import class A drugs and launder the subsequent proceeds of sale.
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Operation Photal [CCC] 2020
Attempted arson with intent to endanger life
Ben Holt acted for the Crown in this case where the Defendant was convicted of attempted arson with intent to endanger life after placing an incendiary device in the exhaust pipe of a diplomatic car parked outside the Iranian Embassy [Instructed by CPS, CTD].
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Operation Footprint [CCC] 2020
Buying a grenade over the ‘dark web’
Ben Holt acted for the Crown in this case where the Defendant was convicted of buying a grenade over the ‘dark web’ [Instructed by CPS, Thames & Chiltern CCU].
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R v Wayne [Court of Appeal] 2020
Appeal against sentence - dwelling burglary, harassment, and criminal damage
William was granted permission to appeal against a sentence made by Portsmouth Crown Court. The appeal concerned the relevance of the factors indicating lesser harm in a case of a burglary where nothing was stolen and the intention was to cause criminal damage. The Court of Appeal also considered the cases of R v Manning and R v Jones in the wake of lockdown measures being lifted. Instructed by Geoff White Solicitors.
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R v D & Others [Southwark] 2020
Multi-Handed Theft Conspiracy
Led junior for the first defendant in a multi-handed conspiracy to rob high value watches and arrange for their onward sale.
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R v PS & MO [Woolwich] 2020
Confiscation following conviction for conspiracy to supply drugs
£384k confiscated from drug dealers following convictions for conspiracy to supply drugs with a street value of over £10m, after 951kg of cannabis was found in a lorry load of rabbit hay. Junior alone. (R v Seabrook & ors [Woolwich] 2018)
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R v SE and FE [Highbury Magistrates Court] 2020
Public Order 1986, Section 4A
William Sneddon represented a defendant, who was accused of making threats to the footballer Mesut Özil and his security staff. Following cross-examination of both complainants over two days, and William’s ‘half-time’ submission of no case to answer, the Court dismissed the case against Mr Ekinci. Instructed by Joseph Hill & Co.
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R v A [Central Criminal Court] 2020
Affray
Acquitted by a majority, Mr A together with others was clearly seen on CCTV involved in an incident that resulted in someone being stabbed multiple times.
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Operation Sacramento - R v AO & Ors [Woolwich] 2020
Supply of Class A Drugs
Led by James Martin representing D1 in an alleged multi-kilo conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, featuring extensive telephone evidence.
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R v A & 8 Ors [Kingston Crown Court] 2020
Drugs Importation
Rupert Kent was instructed by the CPS as junior alone in this nine-handed drugs case, involving a conspiracy to import large amounts of cocaine into the United Kingdom using HGV vehicles.
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R v JB & Another [Inner London] 2020
Possession of Firearm
Gordon Carse represented the lead defendant in an allegation of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. The defendant was a well known ‘drill’ artist and the prosecution was heavily reliant upon bad character evidence of gang activity (including multiple murders). The defendant was acquitted by the jury.
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R v C [Woolwich Crown Court] 2020
Supply of Class A Drugs
Defended in R. v. C, Woolwich Crown Court, conspiracy to supply Class A drugs: sole defendant (of 9) to be acquitted.
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R v HS [Snaresbrook] 2020
Violent Disorder
Represented D2 in a multi-handed Violent Disorder. Successfully applied to exclude all gang related bad character evidence.
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R v FA [Isleworth] 2020
Drug Importation
Instructed to represent D in an alleged importation of 3 kilos of Cocaine.
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R v AM [Isleworth] 2020
s18
Instructed to represent D in an alleged s18 Wounding with Intent and Affray.
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R v M [CCC] 2019
s.18 GBH and Threatening with a Bladed Article
Acquitted following two retrials.
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R v AK [Blackfriars] 2019
Robbery
Represented D2 in a series of moped enabled robberies. Case involved EMS electronic tagging evidence as well as telephone and cell site evidence.
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R v SA [Woolwich] 2019
Robbery
Represented D in Newton Hearing in relation to a series of Aggravated Burglaries of sex workers.
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R v. K [Lewes] 2019
Stalking through Facebook, involving 74,000 pages of computer extracts
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.
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R v LV [Guildford] 2019
Armed Robbery
Prosecution of an armed robbery of a Post Office by a defendant armed with a handgun. Junior alone.
News report:
https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/surrey-news/robber-brandishing-handgun-who-burst-16308125
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R v GH & Ors [Basildon] 2019
Violent Disorder
Instructed in multi-handed violent disorder arising from an Attempted Murder. Acquitted after trial.
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R v H [Maidstone] 2019
Assault
Defence of a man with paranoid schizophrenia who attempted to stab a police officer whilst intoxicated and during an acute psychotic episode. Junior alone.
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R v AM [Snaresbrook] 2019
Robbery
Successfully applied to exclude all Police Officer identification evidence in Robbery matter.
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Operation Augusta [Southwark Crown Court] 2019
Violent Disorder
Aska prosecuted 18 defendants charged with violent disorder arising from a “Free Tommy Robinson” demonstration on 9th June 2018. The investigation included over 400 witness statements and 200 hours’ worth of CCTV, BWV and police Evidence Gatherer footage. All defendants pleaded guilty. Instructed by the CPS Complex Casework Division.
News report here.
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London Borough of Barking & Dagenham v AM & Ors [Snaresbrook Crown Court] 2019
Perjury
Following a 3-week trial with four Defendants, Alejandra’s client, the second Defendant was acquitted of perjury.
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R v Ma [C.C.C.] 2019
Manslaughter
Paul Walker represented the defendant who was alleged to have taken part in a murder in a North London park. Following Paul`s detailed analysis of hours of CCTV and a number of site visits, the defence were able to present a wholly different perspective of the incident to the jury. The jury returned a unanimous not guilty verdict on the manslaughter count.
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R v NDT [Wood Green Crown Court] 2019
s18
Defended in R. v. NDT, Wood Green Crown Court. Acquitted of s18 (alleged gang stabbing).
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R v CB & Others [Inner London] 2019
Multi-Handed County Line Drug Operations
Gordon Carse, led by Danny Robinson QC, prosecuted 21 individuals, over multiple trials, who were charged with a multiple county lines drug dealing operations. All defendants were either convicted or entered guilty pleas for their involvement.
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R v MW & Others [Liverpool] 2019
Conspiracy to Supply Class A Drugs
Gordon Carse represented one of the defendants charged with conspiring to supply wholescale amounts of Class A drugs (on one of the multiple occasions of supply in excess of 98kg of 98% pure cocaine was seized). In the third week of the trial the defendant entered a limited guilty plea on an acceptable basis.
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R v TDN & Others [Wood Green] 2018
National Supply of Wholesale Class A Drugs
Gordon Carse represented a defendant alleged to be the principal in the national supply of wholesale quantities of Class A drugs. The defendant was the subject of extensive covert surveillance, which included the use of helicopters. The defendant was acquitted by the jury.
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R v P [Snaresbrook] 2018
Stabbing
Paul Walker represented the defendant, a 15 year old boy. He was said to have been part of the stabbing of a youth in an East London park. The complainant`s life was saved by paramedics at the scene. The case was particularly challenging as there were a large number of child witnesses. Although convicted, Paul was able to persuade the Judge to impose an extremely lenient sentence.
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R v S [Isleworth] 2018
Supply of Class A Drugs
This trial involved the supply of class A drugs within an immigration centre. High value drugs were discovered, allegedly upon the defendant's person. Following Paul`s extensive cross-examination of the search team of officers and his scrutiny of the body worn footage the defendant was acquitted on all the counts on the indictment.
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R v BD [St. Albans] 2018
Affray
Successful application to dismiss in alleged Affray captured on CCTV.
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R v PD [Woolwich] 2018
Affray
Acquitted of Affray following successful submission of no case to answer. Acquitted by jury of Dangerous Driving.
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R v Y [Snaresbrook] 2018
Armed robbery and Blackmail
Nick Robinson acted for this young defendant who was accused of armed robbery and blackmail committed against a boy who went to his school. The case was dismissed at the conclusion of the prosecution case and the defendant was acquitted of all charges. Instructed by Phil Emery of Emery Halil & Brown.
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R v. L [C.C.C] 2018
Conspiracy to facilitate breach of immigration law
Paul Jackson acted in defence of a male (1 of 8) charged with conspiracy to facilitate the commission of a breach of the immigration law of the UK. The modus operandi alleged was the bringing of illegal Albanians across the Channel in RHIBs. This NCA investigation involved cell site, phone call analysis, CCTV, ANPR and probe material. Instructed by TS Law.
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Operation Digamy - R v AK & Ors [Snaresbrook] 2018
Multi-handed Class A Drugs Conspiracy
Irshad Sheikh led Ria Banerjee defending D1 in a multi-handed five week Class A drugs conspiracy. D1 was regarded as the leader and wholesale supplier of multiple kilos. The trial lasted five weeks and involved extensive surveillance evidence, probe recordings, call and cell site data.
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R v. S [Westminster] 2018
Alleged assault of fashion designer to Cara Delevinge
Jeffrey Israel successfully defended a high profile case where it was alleged that the boyfriend of the fashion designer to socialite Cara Delevigne repeatedly assaulted her and controlled her. Following legal argument the case against Jeffrey’s client was dropped and he was acquitted of all charges.
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R v TM & another [CCC] 2018
Robbery & kidnap
Gordon Carse represented a defendant alleged to have committed robbery, s.18 and kidnapping. Following cross-examination of the principal witness, the Crown offered no further evidence and the jury returned a directed verdict of not guilty.
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R v. A [Bournemouth] 2018
59 Burglaries
Jonathan Reuben represented a prolific burglar known as the ‘gentleman burglar’ who whilst on licence from a three sentence for over 100 burglaries committed a further 59 burglaries. Sentenced to 5 years and 4 months.
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Operation Tandil [Croydon] 2018
Violent disorder arising out of an attack on an asylum seeker in Croydon
Two linked trials. Jonathan Polnay led Ben Holt in the first and Ben Holt led Dickon Reid in the second. A total of 14 defendants were charged with violent disorder arising out of an attack on an asylum seeker in Croydon. The case attracted international media attention. Instructed to SCU at CPS London.
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R v ML [Croydon] 2018
Stabbing of police officer
Gordon Carse acted for the defendant who was alleged to committed a section 18 OAPA offence by stabbing an officer in an attempt to escape arrest. The photographs of the injury caused were ruled too gruesome to be placed before the jury. A successful submission that there was no case to answer was appealed by the Crown. The appeal against the terminatory ruling was successfully opposed.
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R v. C [Inner London] 2018
Supply of Class A drugs
Jonathan Reuben secured the acquittal of this defendant after a three day trial despite possession of wraps of cocaine, cash and a phone download with drug dealing messages.
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R v. P (Woolwich) 2018
GBH Sc20
Jonathan Reuben acted for this defendant who was acquitted after a three day trial. The defendant was of good character and was seen on CCTV in a fight with the complainant who suffered a spinal injury.
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R v. W [Cambridge] 2018
Supply of Class A drugs
Jonathan Reuben acted in this matter in which there was a hung jury after six day trial, no retrial sought. County line case, defendant found in possession of large quantity of class A drugs in the home of a vulnerable person. Some drugs allegedly secreted in his anus.
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R v E [Snaresbrook] 2018
s18 GBH
Jonathan Reuben acted for a defendant that smashed a bottle over the head of his friend, who was left with permanent damage to the sight in his left eye. Negotiated a plea to a s20 resulting in a sentence of 2 years and 4 months.
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R v TK [Kingston] 2018
Operation Trident- Possession of live ammunition
Charlotte Hole defended a 21 year old social worker in an Operation Trident case, after live ammunition was found in her bedroom. The defendant faced a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, but was acquitted after trial.
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R v SB [Southwark] 2018
Assault on partner
Charlotte Hole defended an 84 year old man with Alzheimer’s disease who was charged with assaulting his elderly partner, causing her significant facial injuries. The complainant was unable to attend Court, raising issues of hearsay, and the defendant was unfit to plead.
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R v NM [Highbury Youth Court] 2018
Youth gang stabbing
Phoebe Bragg represented this defendant in a trial concerning a Youth gang stabbing. Persuaded the Crown to accept a s20 GBH in lieu of a s18 GBH.
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R v AE [Lewes] 2018
Stalking
Phoebe Bragg represented this defendant charged with stalking with violence, involving a National Rail employee over a long period of time. The defendant received a suspended sentence.
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R v BM [Various] 2018
Stalking
Phoebe Bragg secured the acquittal for this defendant in two separate stalking allegations relating to the same complainant following evidence from the complainant in both trials.
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R v LT [Woolwich] 2018
Possession of an imitation firearm
Phoebe Bragg acted for the defence in this case of possession of an imitation firearm. Successful submissions regarding the imposition of a suspended sentence order.
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R v CA [Blackfriars] 2018
Smuggling of drugs and contraband into prison
Phoebe Bragg acts in a trial concerning the smuggling of drugs and other contraband into prison. The case is ongoing.
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R v AA [Isleworth] 2018
Confiscation proceedings
Phoebe Bragg secured the successful prosecution of contested confiscation proceedings relating to the proceeds of drug dealing. An order was made in the terms sought.
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R v SB [Snaresbrook] 2018
Multi-handed youth armed robbery
Phoebe Bragg acted for a defendant charged in a multi-handed youth armed robbery. Successful application for a community penalty in lieu of immediate custody.
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Greenwich County Council v SB [Woolwich] 2018
Application to vacate a guilty plea
Phoebe Bragg submitted a successful application to vacate a guilty plea following a Newton hearing and subsequent legal argument.
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R v O & anr [Guildford] 2018
Possession of an offensive weapon
Jonathan Reuben acted for this defendant who was charged with possession of an offensive weapon. The defendant was acquitted after the trial. The defendant and passenger found with knuckle duster ‘key rings’. Defendant was originally arrested on suspicion of kidnapping.
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R v E [Snaresbrook] 2018
Sc18 GBH, Witness Intimidation and Possession of an Offensive Weapon
Jonathan Reuben represented this 17 year old defendant with extensive previous convictions. The defendant pleaded guilty to witness intimidation and possession an offensive weapon before the trial, and was acquitted following a trial of two further counts. The case involved CCTV and cross-examination of complainant and independent eye witness.
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R v AN [Blackfriars] 2018
Handling stolen goods
Jonathan Reuben secured an acquittal after a three day trial. The defendant took an Apple laptop that he paid £100 for to a repair shop two days after it was stolen.
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R v. Abdikarim [Isleworth] 2017
Acid Attack
Ben Holt was instructed by the Prosecution for the trial of an ‘acid attack’ case. The victim was lured to a park in Isleworth by the defendant. A substance was thrown at him by another, unidentified, male. Victim lost his eye as a result of the attack. He gave evidence with the assistance of an intermediary. Defendant was convicted and sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment.
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R v. B [Southwark] 2017
Threats to kill and persistent domestic violence
Dominic Webber secured the acquittal of this vulnerable and suicidal defendant who was on the autistic spectrum. He was accused of threatening to kill the mother of his baby son whilst pressing a shard of glass into her neck. It was also alleged that he had just thrown the headboard of a bed at her head which impacted with her face. The defendant maintained that the allegation was fabricated and photos relied upon were of injuries inflicted by another on an earlier occasion. The defendant was also cleared of all other domestic violence offences alleged and assaulting the complainant’s father. He maintained that another was responsible in relation to the complainant and the defendant was the victim of violence perpetrated by the father. Instructed by Martyn Hewett Solicitors.
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R v. S [St Albans] 2017
Blackmail and misconduct in a public office
Ben Holt was instructed to defend a Detective Constable charged with blackmail and misconduct in a public office. S had used the PNC to find out personal details of an individual who was using the services of a prostitute. He then blackmailed him. Pleaded guilty. Sentence referred to the CoA by the A-G as being unduly lenient. Instructed by Slater & Gordon.
News reports:
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R v. Ahmed [Snaresbrook] 2017
Attempted Murder
Ben Holt was Prosecution counsel at this trial of attempted murder. The defendant had run over an acquaintance with whom he was having a disagreement. Convicted of section 18 and sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment.
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R v. A [Southwark] 2017
Facilitating entry to UK of teenage girl for exploitation
Irshad Sheikh prosecuted this 50 year old job centre fraud worker who was found guilty after trial of arranging the entry into the UK of a 13 year old girl whom she kept as a personal slave and made to work 16 hours a day for 11 years.
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R v. CS & ors [C.C.C.] 2017
Perverting the Course of Justice / Homicide
Paul Jackson acted for the Defence of female charged with deliberately assisting a male, who was subsequently charged with murder, to evade arrest and thereby perverted the course of justice. The assistance included disposing of clothes, dying hair, attempting to lighten skin colour, assisting escape from the murder scene and then providing addresses to hide.
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R v. Daniels & ors [Isleworth] 2017
Conspiracy to steal motor vehicles
Ben Holt acted for the Crown, Daniels was charged with two others with conspiracy to steal motor vehicles. He worked for a BMW dealership and was convicted of stealing car keys and customer’s personal details before passing them on to other conspirators who would steal the cars that had been sold from his place of work. His co-defendants pleaded Guilty at PTPH; with one of them giving evidence for the Crown against Daniels. On conviction, Daniels was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment.
News reports:
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R v. KB & anr [Woolwich] 2017
Firearms
Gordon Carse represented one of three defendants in a two week cut throat trial. The prosecution arose following an undercover sting operation where meetings and communications arranging the purchase of a glock, MP5 assault rifle, and ammunition were covertly recorded. The defendant was acquitted by the jury. Instructed by Thos Boyd Whyte.
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R v S [Snaresbrook] 2017
Coercive & Controlling Behaviour towards wife
Charlotte Newell successfully defended this husband who faced a four day trial, charged with "Coercive & Controlling Behaviour towards his wife". The defendant was acquitted of all charges. Instructed by ABV Solicitors.
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R v. Doherty & anr [Luton] 2017
Preventing lawful Burial
Ben Temple instructed by EHB Solicitors, acted for this 72 year old man at his trial who was charged with preventing the lawful burial of his sister in law and perverting the course of justice following the discovery of her body in a Luton Garden 12 years after her disappearance. The jury at his first trial was hung, Gregory Fishwick was Counsel at his Re-trial.
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Operation Manningtree [Inner London] 2017 2017
13 handed Violent Disorder following illegal 'rave'
Catherine Pattison led Ben Holt in the Prosecution of 13 defendants for violent disorder that arose out of an illegal rave organised to take place on the night of Hallowe’en 2015 by a group called ‘Scumtek’. The violence was described as the worst in London since the riots of 2011 and resulted in the largest deployment of Police Officers since that time.
News reports here:
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R v JD [Luton Crown Court] 2017
Preventing Lawful Burial
Defended in R. v. JD: 2017, Luton Crown Court, preventing lawful burial, perverting the course of justice. Jury could not agree on verdicts. Prosecution dropped the lawful burial charge at re-trial.
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R v. Iqbal & ors [Harrow] 2017
GBH Sc18
Gordon Carse acted for the defendant who was alleged to be the principle in a group attack in which he chased and threw a young man from the roof of a building causing life-changing injuries. A submission of no case to answer was successfully made and the defendant acquitted following the successful resistance of the prosecution's appeal against the terminatory ruling. Instructed by Imran Khan & Partners.
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R v. Burton [Southwark] 2017
Radio Host accused of trolling a Muslim politician with Islamophobic tweets
Ben Temple prosecuted this right wing radio host whom was jailed for vile Islamophobic' trolling of anti-racism campaigner.
News reports below
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R v. Pantellaro [I.L.C.C.] 2017
Attempted Murder of Brother & Sister
Jonathan Polnay was instructed to prosecute this Italian Martial Arts expert whom broke into and stabbed a brother and sister as they slept in their home. The attack was racially motivated and random. The Judge directed a not guilty verdict by reason of insanity and the defendant was detained for mental health assessment.
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R v JS [Kingston] 2017
Sc18 'Stabbing'
Nick Robinson acted for the defendant was cleared of Section 18 GBH, the defendant chaving been charged with attacking and stabbing the complainant following a dispute after a night out. Instructed by Goldkorns.
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R v Van G [Reading] 2017
Horse trader accused of importing class A drugs concealed in horse box and laundering over £200k
Natasha Wong QC was trial counsel for acquitted horse trader accused of importing class A drugs concealed in horse box and laundering over £200k, the alleged proceeds of drug crime, defence of duress. Instructed by LP Evans
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R v G and C [Isleworth] 2017
Air rage incident on packed flight
Natasha Wong QC conducted the guilty plea and suspended sentence orders in respect of air rage incident on packed flight
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R v M [St. Albans] 2017
Professional man accused of assault on wife
Natasha Wong QC was Counsel for professional man acquitted of assault upon wife. Instructed by Sternberg Reed
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R v. R [Central Criminal Court] 2017
Supply of Class A drugs
Jonathan Reuben secured the acquittal of this defendant after a two day trial, despite being arrested in possession of multiple wraps of cocaine and heroin and a mobile phone with drug dealing messages.
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Operation Roburo [Kingston] 2017
Conspiracy to possess a firearm
Pauline Thompson successfully defended allegations of conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life, conspiracy to possess a prohibited weapon and conspiracy to commit violent disorderin a nine-handed trial. Instructed by EBR Attridge Solicitors.
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R v. K [St Albans] 2017
Conspiracy to commit knife point robberies
Pauline Thompson led Peter Eguae in a nine-handed conspiracy to commit knifepoint robberies. Defendant aged 15 avoided a custodial sentence. Instructed by F.A. Lee & Co Solicitors.
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R v SC [Westminster] 2017
Police officer assault on two teenagers
Charlotte Hole, instructed by the CPS Complex Casework Unit, prosecuted a serving police officer charged with assaulting two teenagers when called to a domestic dispute.
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R v AA [Central Criminal Court] 2017
Malicious communication to the police
Charlotte Hole defended a 25 year old with autism and learning difficulties, charged with malicious communications offences relating to threatening calls he made to the police. He was found unfit to plead, acquitted of one of the counts, and admitted to the National Autism Unit, a course the Probation Service had been unsuccessfully recommending for a number of years.
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R v DS [Snaresbrook] 2017
Robbery
Ria Banerjee acted for this defendant who was charged with Robbery. Successful submission of no case to answer on the basis of DNA evidence.
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R v LT [Snaresbrook] 2017
Knife point robberies
Ria Banerjee successfully represented a defendant charged, with others, of a series of knife-point robberies of taxi drivers. Successful applications to dismiss on the basis of identification and cell site evidence.
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R v DR [Harrow] 2017
Threatening with a bladed article and Affray
Ria Banerjee acted for a defendant charged with Affray and Threatening with a Bladed Article. Crown’s case consisted of a live witness stating that the Defendant threatened him and his friends with a knife. Incident captured on CCTV and mobile phone footage. Defendant gave a no comment interview with no solicitor present. Acquitted of both charges after trial.
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R v SR [Harrow] 2017
Threats to kill
Ria Banerjee secured the acquittal of this defendant charged with Threats to Kill where it was alleged that, whilst making the threats, he was wielding a machete. Extensive cross-examination of three civilian witnesses.
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The Army v PSP [Colchester Military Court Centre] 2017
Possession with intent to supply
Elizabth Wilson represented this defendant in Court Martial on charges of possession with intent to supply.
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R v RC [Woolwich] 2017
Multi-handed robbery
Elizabeth Wilson acted for the defence in this trial for a multi-handed robbery, a successful submission of no case to answer was given.
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R v EL [Snaresbrook] 2017
Assault
Elizabeth Wilson acted for this defendant who was charged with assaulting his wife and son. Defendant was acquitted of assaulting his wife.
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R v KR [Snaresbrook] 2017
Multi-handed armed robbery
Elizabeth Wilson acted in this trial concerning Youth multi-handed armed robbery. Defendant sentenced to a 2 year Detention and Training Order.
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R v SS [Westminster] 2017
Common assault
Elizabeth Wilson represented this defendant who pleaded guilty to common assault on security guard. Following mitigation, defendant sentenced to a conditional discharge & all costs waived including the mandatory criminal court charge.
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R v OO [Wimbledon] 2017
Domestic violence
Elizabeth Wilson secured the acquittal of this defendant who was charged with domestic violence. Successful defence in case of domestic violence following evidence from complainant and two further prosecution witnesses to the alleged assault. Successfully opposed an application for a post-acquittal restraining order.
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R v EW [Highbury Youth Court] 2017
Attempted robbery and possession of bladed article
Elizabeth Wilson secured the acquittal for a youth defendant charged with attempted robbery and possession of bladed article.
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R v HK [Folkstone] 2017
Multi handed burglary
Elizabeth Wilson secured the acquittal for this youth defendant charged with multi-handed burglary and theft from a motor vehicle.
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R v PM [Bromley] 2017
Common assault
Elizabeth Wilson represented this defendant who pleaded guilty to category 1 common assault on TFL bus driver. Following mitigation, Magistrates persuaded to sentence without PSR and imposed a fine, costs and compensation.
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R v LE [Canterbury] 2017
Multi handed commercial burglary
Elizabth Wilson acted for defence in this case of multi-handed commercial burglary and theft. Defendant suffered with learning difficulties and required an intermediary for the trial. Successful submission of no case to answer.
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R v C [Harrow] 2017
Endangering the safety of an aircraft
Orla Daly secured a suspended sentence for an accountant who had pleaded guilty to endangering the safety of an aircraft.
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R v. R [Highbury Corner Youth Court] 2017
Knife point robbery
Jonathan Reuben secured the acquittal for this defendant with robbery by knife-point. The defendant’s DNA was found on the knife used in the robbery. Acquitted after half-time submission challenging the lack of statistical analysis of the DNA evidence.
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R v. J [Chelmsford] 2017
Supply of Class A drugs
Jonathan Reuben acted for this defendant who was found in possession of class A drugs following a police raid. The defendant admitted attribution of a mobile phone with drug dealing messages on it. Crown offered no evidence following a successful section 78 PACE argument and an unsuccessful bad character application.
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R v. H & G [Snaresbrook] 2016
Child Cruelty
Robert Ellison successfully prosecuted this child cruelty case involving the sadistic torture of an infant. Issues included the admissibility of psychological evidence about the mother of the child.
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R v C & 8 ors [Snaresbrook] 2016
Theft from Employer
Aska Fujita represented the third of nine defendants charged with stealing a substantial amount of cash from their employer over the course of eight and a half years. Aska’s client was unanimously acquitted after a five-week trial. Instructed by Sternberg Reed.
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R v. Coe [Southwark] 2016
‘Anjem Choudary’ associate
Jonathan Polnay prosecuted this notorious associate of Anjem Choudhary for assaulting teenage muslim children who he saw holding hands.
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R v SH [Inner London] 2016
Sc18 Wounding
Nick Robinson acted for the defence in this Section 18 GBH. The defendant charged with attacking her on/off partner with a glass bottle. Both defendant and victim were vulnerable adults. The defendant was acquitted following a trial. Instructed by Goldkorns.
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R v. Gutteridge [Portsmouth] 2016
Possession of Class A drugs
Paul Walker acted for this defendant, cleared of possession with intent to supply cocaine. Mr Gutteridge was found in possession of £5,000 worth of 87% pure cocaine. On his mobile telephone were messages relating to drugs supply. The Crown`s drug`s expert, Michael Ellis, was convinced that Mr Gutteridge was involved in the supply of drugs and told the jury so. Paul suggested a number of alternative theories to the expert in his cross-examination. The defence was that he was about to throw away the drugs and the messages related to his management of an escort agency. Mr Ellis rubbished any suggestion that his conclusions were wrong. Mr Gutteridge was unanimously acquitted.
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R v. Buchler [Isleworth] 2016
Assault in 'Harrods' Food Hall
Jeffrey Israel, led by Jonathan Goldberg QC, represented David Buchler, the former vice-chairman of Tottenham Hotspur FC who was accused of breaking a shopper’s nose in Harrods in a row over a croissant.
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R v. Ifemade [Woolwich] 2016
Multiple Stabbings
Paul Jackson acted for the defence of male charged with multiple stabbings, who was cleared by the jury following a trial. Instructed by McCormacks.
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R v. James [St Albans] 2016
Public Order Offence
Paul Jackson represented a male accused of knocking unconscious another male in a drunken street brawl. The defendant asserted that he acted in self-defence only. The incident was captured on CCTV. Defendant acquitted.
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R v. Mahmood & Smith - “The Fake Sheikh Trial” [C.C.C] 2016
Trial of the "Fake Sheikh"
Sarah Forshaw QC leading Danny Robinson were instructed by the CPS in the successful prosecution of the 'Fake Sheikh' and his driver for perverting the course of justice surrounding the 2013 failed prosecution of popstar Tulisa Contostavlos.
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R v. Burke [Maidstone] 2016
Sc 18 following a ‘bottling’ in a night club
Paul Jackson acted in the Defence of male charged with a joint enterprise section 18 following a ‘bottling’ in a night club. The defendant required the use of an intermediary. Instructed by Bailey Nicholson Grayson.
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R v A & ors [Southwark] 2016
Conspiracy to Import Medical Products
Aska Fujita was instructed to represent the second defendant charged with conspiracy to import medical products without a licence. The Crown eventually offered no evidence and the defendant was acquitted. Instructed by Sternberg Reed.
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R v. Coad [Maidstone] 2016
Public Order Offence
Paul Jackson represented a male accused of knocking unconscious another male in a drunken street brawl. The defendant asserted that he acted in self-defence only. The incident was captured on CCTV. Defendant acquitted.
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R v H [Hull] 2016
Evasion of Duty
Aska Fujita represented a lorry driver charged with fraudulently evading over £200,000 of duty on tobacco. Following a guilty plea and mitigation, a sentence of 12 months was imposed. Instructed by Sternberg Reed.
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R v. LP [Woolwich] 2016
GBH Sc18
Sam Bonner represented this defendant charged with s18 on ex-partner by breaking her jaw in three places. A plea was accepted to ABH after negotiation with the Crown.
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R v. E & ors [Croydon] 2016
Knife fight in Croydon
Senghin Kong prosecuted 6 defendants charged with having offensive weapons including knives and a taser, who had a very public fight in the middle of a road near West Croydon Station. The trial involved cross-examination of a facial mapping expert called by one of the defendants who was later convicted. Instructed by CPS London.
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R v. Walker [Lewes] 2016
Violent Disorder
Paul Walker defended in this Violent Disorder. Mr Walker was said to have been at the heart of an “orgy of violence” that followed a March for England in Brighton. The CCTV showed Mr Walker hitting people with an umbrella and charging across The Lanes at a rival group. Once the CCTV had been scrutinised by Paul and re-presented to the jury from the defence perspective Mr Walker was acquitted.
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R v. V 2016
Police Officers’ unlawful presence in defendant's home
Hannah Wyatt defended in an affray trial. Successful legal argument in relation to officers’ unlawful presence in the defendant’s home. No evidence offered thereafter.
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R v. S [Snaresbrook] 2016
GBH Sc18
Sam Bonner successfully represented the defendant who was charged along with other offences of causing grievous bodily harm to the complainant who suffered a fractured and dislocated shoulder. The charge of GBH was concluded after a successful no case submission and the defendant was unanimously acquitted on all other charges at the end of the trial.
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R v. A [C.C.C.] 2016
ABH
Sam Bonner successfully represented the defendant at the Central Criminal Court who was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm by pouring boiling water on the alleged victim.
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R v. S [Maidstone] 2016
Sc18 Wounding by Stabbing
Dominic Webber successfully defended in this case alleging the stabbing in the upper thigh from behind of a youth in an alley way.
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R v. S [Canterbury] 2016
GBH
Dominic Webber represented this undergraduate whom was cleared of a violent assault upon a fellow student.
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R v MV [Maidstone] 2016
Possession of a bladed article in public space
Ria Banerjee successfully secured the acquittal for this defendant who was charged with Having a Bladed Article in a Public Place, namely, a Samurai sword on Dartford High Street. Evidence from a Police officer that he was waving the sword around. Incident captured on CCTV.
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R v BG [Blackfriars] 2016
Attempted robbery
Ria Banerjee acted for this defendant who was charged with Attempted Robbery. Complainant was an off-duty prison officer who gave evidence to state that the Defendant had threatened to stab her and take her handbag. Successfully opposed the Crown’s bad character application to admit the Defendant’s previous convictions for Robbery and Attempted Robbery to correct a false impression. Acquitted after trial.
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R v CC [Snaresbrook] 2016
Affray and Possession of an Offensive Weapon
Ria Banerjee secured the acquittal for this defendant who was charged with two counts of Affray and Possession of an Offensive Weapon. Incidents captured on CCTV. Defendant gave a no comment interview.
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R v S & ors [Harrow] 2016
Committal for Sentence
Ria Banerjee represented six defendants in a Committal for Sentence where each client was facing a sentence of immediate custody. Succeeded in a legitimate expectation argument, which led to the Judge imposing Community/Suspended Sentences.
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R v AG [Maidstone] 2016
Harassment whilst on life license for murder
Ria Banerjee acted for this defendant who was charged with harassment and on life licence for murder. Facing significant consequences in terms of parole if convicted of the offence. Acquitted after trial following lengthy cross-examination of the complainant and legal submissions involving various authorities on “a course of conduct amounting to harassment”.
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R v. S [C.C.C.] 2016
Theft From Employer
Senghin Kong prosecuted a defendant extradited to the UK to face multiple charges of theft from employer, which involved advising on speciality issues.
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R v. H & anr [Southwark] 2015
International Cricket Match-Fixing
Jonathan Polnay, Led by Jonathan Laidlaw QC, successfully defended a practising criminal barrister, accused of perverting the course of justice. The case attracted national and international press attention as it centred around an International cricketer, whom was also cleared, of lying under oath in a 2012 Libel trial.
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R v. PM [Woolwich] 2015
Child cruelty
Valeria Swift prosecuted this cruelty of father on his young son. The case required very sensitive examination of the vulnerable victim. Defendant found guilty.
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R v. D & ors [Winchester] 2015
GBH Sc18
James Martin instructed as defence counsel. The defendant was part of a large disorder that centred on the Poison Pub in Basingstoke. It was alleged that for his part in the disturbance he had smashed a bottle on someone’s head and had bitted off the ends of two fingers from a man’s hand. His defence was that the bottling incident was mistaken identification and the finger biting was self-defence. He was found not guilty by the Jury. Instructed by Goldkorns.
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R v. F 2015
Theft From Employer
Alison Wilkes represented a vulnerable defendant accused of theft of drugs from workplace (a retirement home).
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R v. Pasquale & ors [Isleworth] 2015
Multi-handed football violence case
James Martin instructed in a multi-handed football violence case. Allegation involved organised fighting between rival fans. Case depended largely upon the correctness of police identification from CCTV. After several days of legal submissions made by Mr Martin the identification evidence was ruled inadmissible due to the failure of the police officers to correctly follow the relevant codes of practice. Case was then abandoned by the Crown against Mr Pasquale.
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R v PO [Inner London] 2015
Violence
Valeria Swift instructed to defend a pilot with mental health issues accused of violent behaviour whilst armed with a knife. Defendant found not guilty.
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R v. B [Canterbury] 2015
Importation of 18kg of Cocaine & 2kg of Heroin
Dominic Webber defended this lorry driver who was cleared of all charges in respect of the importation of 2kg of heroin and 18kg of cocaine in holdall on an HGV trailer.
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R v. K [Canterbury] 2015
Sc18 Wounding
Dominic Webber successfully defended this alleged sc18 wounding with intent, defence of self-defence, with the victim suffering multiple knife wounds.
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R v. Spruhan [Chichester] 2015
Arson with Intent to Endanger Life
Paul Walker successfully represented this defendant charged with Arson with intent to endanger life. Mr Spruhan had poured petrol over his sister-in-law in a busy Waitrose store. He had then lit the petrol, which burned until a brave shopper somehow put out the fire. Following a trial and detailed analysis of the CCTV, Mr Spruhan (who did not give evidence) was found not guilty of arson with intent to endanger life.
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R v. MD [Southwark] 2015
Attempted Murder
Valeria Swift acted as sole defence counsel in an apparently motiveless serious stabbing of taxi driver by woman of previous impeccable character – initially investigated by the police as an attempted murder - exploration of defences of insanity and automatism – following consideration of expert evidence defendant pleaded guilty to a section 20 offence and was immediately released from custody.
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R v. MN & ors [Wood Green] 2015
Gangland stabbing
Catherine Farrelly led Valeria Swift instructed by the prosecution, in this 6 handed conspiracy to commit GBH, which included a premeditated attack on another youth, his stab wounds close to his heart which were very nearly life ending. This case required expert analysis of telephone evidence which equated to over 20,000 pages. Defendants convicted of conspiracy.
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R v. Alasow [Snaresbrook] 2015
Possession of loaded firearm with intent
Catherine Farrelly was instructed in this Prosecution of a defendant who was charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of ammunition. He had been stopped by police shortly after climbing over garden fences in east London and then disposing of a loaded firearm, fitted with a “silencer”. The case involved protracted legal argument over the admissibility of DNA and GSR expert evidence, all of which was ruled admissible.
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R v JH [Woolwich] 2015
Sc18 'Hammer Attack'
Nick Robinson acted in this Section 18 GBH. The defendant was charged following a frenzied hammer attack during the course of a landlord and tenant dispute. Instructed by Goldkorns.
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R v. Langridge [Maidstone] 2014
Benefit Fraud
Paul Jackson successfully defends a female charged with substantial benefit fraud offences.
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R v. Capper [Maidstone] 2014
Aggravated Burglary
Paul Jackson represented a male charged with aggravated burglary, wounding with intent and possession of offensive weapons. The allegations were that the defendant carried out a revenge attack on a male in his home in the middle of the night as he had commenced a relationship with the defendant's ex-wife. A machete was used during the attack. Kent Online news report.
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R v. Bailey [Snaresbrook] 2014
GBH Sc18 on Brother
Paul Jackson defended a male charged with causing his brother grievous bodily harm with intent. The defendant admitted causing injuries to his brother but only in lawful self-defence following an argument during which the complainant bit part of the defendant's nose off. Case dismissed at half-time.
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R v. Richards [Basildon] 2014
GBH Sc18
James Martin represented this defendant who was outside a nightclub when he was involved in an altercation with a man. As a result of his injuries he was in a coma for some time and nearly lost his life. He was left with life changing injuries and his prognosis was not good. On the night in question the defendant always maintained that he acted in self-defence and that the man he struck had been behaving aggressively earlier in the evening. Much turned on the evidence of a number of witnesses. The defendant was found not guilty by the Jury in a matter of minutes.
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R v. Gurklytre [Inner London] 2014
Perverting the Course of Justice / Homicide
James Martin represented this defendant who was the front seat passenger in her own car which was being driven by her partner. There was a fatal collision and two pedestrians were run over and were killed as they crossed the road. The car was then driven from the scene to a nearby carpark and set on fire. The Crown alleged that the defendant was party to the destruction of the car and was therefore guilty of attempting to pervert the course of justice. A submission of No Case to answer was made at the conclusion of the Crown’s case, this was upheld by the Judge and the case was dismissed.
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R v. Miller [Portsmouth] 2014
Attempted Murder
Paul Walker defended Mr Miller a 76 year old retired businessman who had plunged a kitchen knife into his wife`s back. He had said “you will die now”. When the police arrived Mr Miller had told them that he had tried to kill his wife. Mr Miller was acquitted of attempted murder.
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R v. TB & ors [Isleworth] 2014
Aggravated Burglaries
Jeffrey Israel represented the first defendant in a case involving a series of targeted aggravated burglaries in which the victims were woken in the middle of the night at gunpoint and their infant children threatened at knifepoint before being tied up and the properties ransacked.
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R v KK & Ors [Portsmouth CC] 2014
Conspiracy to Supply
Chris Sutton-Mattocks led Hannah Wyatt in the defense of a senior member of a 10 handed conspiracy to supply cocaine worth over £600,000, during an 8 week trial
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R v P and ors 2014
Conspiracies to import cocaine by boatloads to the UK over a 4 year period.
Natasha Wong QC was trial counsel for first defendant acquitted of conspiracies to import cocaine by boatloads to the UK over a 4 year period and accused of aiding and abetting a police officer to commit misfeasance in public office. Instructed by Paul Martin & Co
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R v. Rasalingham [Maidstone] 2013
Immigration Offences
Paul Jackson defended a male charged along with 6 others of conspiring to bring Sri Lankan nationals into the country. The defendant was stopped with three such aliens in the back of his van. This case involved investigations by British, French, German and Dutch Police departments. Case dismissed at half-time.
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R v. Haque [Snaresbrook & C.O.A.] 2013
Harassment
Paul Jackson defended a male charged with harassment, putting his own brother in fear of violence. The complainant was so discredited during cross-examination that the Crown offered no evidence declaring in explanation to the jury that "the complainant's credibility had been diminished to vanishing point". Not guilty verdict entered. The trial judge then imposed a post-acquittal restraining order under section 5A(1) of teh Protection from Harassment Act 1997 which was subsequently quashed by the Court of Appeal.
R v Mohammed Emanul Haque (2014) EWCA Crim 832 and R v Mohammed Emanul Haque (2015) EWCA Crim 767.
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R v. Idehen [Woolwich] 2013
Threats to Kill
Paul Jackson instructed in a case involving a male detained in the secure unit of a mental hospital who threatened to kill members of the nursing staff.
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R v. De-Castro [Inner London] 2013
GBH Sc18
Paul Jackson defended a male charged with causing serious bodily harm with intent. The allegation was that the defendant struck the complainant twice to the back of the head with a hammer. Whilst that was accepted, the defence asserted that it was done in both self-defence and the defence of others. Particularly key for the defence was persuading the trial judge that the Crown could not adduce the fact that the defendant had fled the country and been on the run for 5 years. Defendant acquitted.
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R v. Carrington [Snaresbrook] 2013
Cultivation of Cannabis
Paul Jackson defended a male charged with the cultivation of cannabis in an out-building on his property. A light bulb inside that out-building was found to have the defendant's fingerprint on it. The defendant denied all knowledge of the cannabis. Defendant acquitted.
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R v. John Davies & [Maidstone] 2013
GBH Sc18
Paul Jackson defended a male charged jointly with three others of causing grievous bodily harm with intent by stamping on the complainant's head. A successful submission of no case was made at half-time based on the weakness of the identification evidence. Defendant acquitted. Instructed by Berry & Lamberts.
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R v. M & ors [Wood Green] 2013
Conspiracies to Handle Stolen Goods
Andrew Collings was Leading Junior for the defence in this significant conspiracy to handle stolen goods. Total value of the conspiracy 10.5 million pounds of BMW parts.
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R v. X 2013
Financial exploitation
Alison Wilkes appeared for the Prosecution in the trial of a man with learning difficulties for the systematic financial exploitation of another with significant learning difficulties; intermediaries used to aid communication.
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R v. Folkes [Wood Green] 2013
GBH Sc18
James Martin represented this defendant, charged with kicking someone out of the top floor window of a double-decker bus in London. The man hit his head on the pavement as he fell from the moving bus and was paralysed. The defendant maintained that he was acting in self-defence as the man had attacked him and his girlfriend as they went to leave the bus. He maintained that he never intended to kick the man out of the window which gave way as the man fell into it. The defendant was found not guilty.
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R v. JS & ors [Woolwich] 2013
Kidnap & Robbery
James Martin was Junior alone in a multi-handed case, lasting 9 weeks at Woolwich CC. Allegations involved separate conspiracies to commit armed robbery, kidnap of two men, false imprisonment of the two men and Blackmail.The offences dated back to 2008 and these charges came about as the result of an intensive investigation into the voluminous phone traffic picked up at the time between those convicted in the original trial. This evidence was supplemented by the observations from undercover. Central issues in the case involved challenges to both cell site evidence and expert opinion on facial mapping.
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R v. Abdelrahman [Blackfriars] 2012
Theft
Paul Jackson represented a male found with so many stolen electronic devices in a storage unit that he was dubbed by the Crown as "the modern day Fagan". Notwithstanding that the defendant was found not guilty by successfully relying on the defence of duress.
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R v. Beckett [Inner London] 2012
Bouncer charged with GBH Sc18
Paul Jackson successfully defended a male bouncer at the Hammers Pub charged with causing grievous bodily harm. This was a case of mistaken identification with the defence providing the Police with the name of the real attacker. That line of inquiry was inadequately pursued by them. Following legal argument at trial, the Crown were forced to hold an ID procedure at court during which the complainant identified the person named by defence as the perpetrator.
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R v. E-J 2012
London riots
Alison Wilkes acted for the Crown in this London riots prosecution for s18 GBH; ringleader who threw a brick through a police car window at a police officer.
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Operation Withern 2012
London riots
Rishi Nathwani represented one of 22 Defendants charged with a pre-planned conspiracy to rob wealthy victims and commit violent disorder during the height of the riots in August 2011, where notorious London gangs joined forces to commit widespread disorder. Represented one of the principal organisers. Case revolved around telephone/cell site and video evidence.
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R v. Newell [Reading] 2011
Possession of class A drugs with intent to supply
Paul Jackson defended a male charged with possession of class A drugs with intent to supply. Some time before trial the defendant sacked his original solicitors and Counsel. At trial the defendant accepted possession of the drugs but denied having any intent to supply. The Crown were allowed by the trial judge to put to the defendant a response to a question in the PCMH form asking what were the real issues, his original barrister, had written "no possession". The Crown sought to cross-examine on that statement as being inconsistent with his defence and plea to possession. The resultant
R v Alan Newell (2012) 1 W.L.R.3142 overturning the decision in R(on the application of Firth) v Epping Magistrates' Court (2011) 4 All.E.R.326
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R v. Caird [Maidstone] 2011
Arson with intent to endanger life
Paul Jackson defended a male charged with arson with intent to endanger life. The allegation was that the defendant's ex-partner witnessed the defendant throw a petrol at her living-room window whilst she was standing in it with their young child. This case involved many issues of law including the admissibility in the Crown Court of evidence produced for parallel family court proceedings. The defendant was acquitted.
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R v. AN [C.C.C.] 2011
Attempted Murder & Armed Robbery
Jeffrey Israel defended a man accused of shooting a police officer whilst fleeing from the scene having committed a violent armed robbery. The case turned on forensic evidence, particularly DNA and firearm residue
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R v. McKenzie-Hewitt [C.C.C.] 2009
Attempted Murder
Martin Hooper was leading junior for a man accused of attempted murder by discharging a firearm in a crowded nightclub. The witnesses sought anonymity. This was the first case in the Country to apply the legislation implemented after R v Davis in the House of Lords
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R v. JR & ors [Croydon 2009
Manslaughter
Jeffrey Israel defended in a Manslaughter of a football fan following a large-scale violent disorder between Charlton Athletic and Tottenham Hotspur fans following a pre-season friendly.
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R v MA [Southwark Crown Court] 2024
Defence of Police Officer for Multiple Sexual Offences
Privately instructed in the defence of a serving police officer for multiple rapes, controlling and coercive behaviour and assaults. Phoebe was led by Sarah Forshaw KC. The CPS offered no evidence on all matters following the service of legal argument.
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R v G [Snaresbrook Crown Court] 2024
5 Counts of Sexual Activity with a Child
Olivia Haggar represented a client charged with five counts of Sexual Activity with a Child. The case required pre-recorded cross-examination of a 14-year-old witness. Following a four day trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court, the lay client was unanimously acquitted of all charges. Instructed by Marco Guarnieri of SA Law.
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R v LM Kingston Crown Court 2023
Client acquitted of rape and controlling coercive charges
Phoebe defended a man charged with multiple rape offences and controlling and coercive behaviour. These allegations were made following the breakdown of a relationship.
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R v. AS [Snaresbrook CC] 2023
Rape & ABH during the course of alleged sexual assault
Sarah Forshaw KC represented this Defendant who was charged with rape and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Very unusually, the Court was persuaded that, as a matter of law, there was not enough evidence to go before a jury on the rape allegation and the charge was dismissed (application to dismiss succeeded in advance of trial.) The CPS continued with the assault charge to trial. Substantial evidence was put before the jury during a trial that lasted 2 weeks. The Defendant was unanimously acquitted of ABH in 30 minutes. Instructed by Roger Sahota of Berkeley Square Solicitors.
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R v. P [Southwark] 2023
Rape, Sexual Assault & False Imprisonment
Sarah Forshaw KC leading Valeria Swift and instructed by Nick Vamos of Peters & Peters, represented this young man from a wealthy and prominent overseas family, who was found not guilty of all charges against him following a two-week trial at Southwark Crown Court in February 2023.
Accusations made by his former girlfriend had resulted in a six-count indictment, including allegations of sexual assault, false imprisonment and rape. He was released under investigation shortly after his arrest, and was granted bail to return to and remain in his home country until the trial. Peters & Peters obtained permission for him to attend all pre-trial hearings remotely. The allegations date back to 2018. Trial was originally scheduled for early 2022, but was adjourned owing to prosecution disclosure failures. The failures continued up to and during trial, with a number of disclosure hearings taking place, and significant items of disclosure provided only on the day the case was opened to the jury.
Following the two-week trial, during which the client gave evidence, the jury returned unanimous not guilty verdicts on all charges after less than three hours’ deliberation.
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