Cases
Cases
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R v SP [Inner London CC] 2024
Attempted Murder
Prosecution counsel in an attempted murder trial. The defendant went to the home address of the victim in the early hours of the morning and slashed her throat. Instructed by CPS, London.
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R v MR [Snaresbrook CC] 2024
Death by Dangerous Driving
Anna Dutka prosecuted this sentence of causing death by dangerous driving at Snaresbrook Crown Court during which the Defendant was found to have persistently driven in a dangerous manner, ultimately causing the death of a 36-year-old woman, before fleeing the scene and attempting to steal another vehicle. He was sentenced to a custodial sentence of 11 years 3 months and disqualified from driving for 17 years. Instructed by Aisling Hosein of the CPS London Homicide Unit.
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R v T & 2 Others [Leeds Crown Court] 2023
Murder
Rupert Kent was instructed by the CPS Complex Casework Unit as led junior in this three-handed eight week trial relating to a 2011 murder, in relation to which a witness subject to immunity from prosecution gave evidence as to the torture, murder, burial and subsequent cover-up of the victim.
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Six-handed murder 2023
Six-handed murder
Catherine Farrelly, led by John Price KC, prosecuted this six-handed murder trial which concluded with all six defendants being convicted of murder.
News
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Operation Wheelstep [Central Criminal Court] 2023
Halloween Party Murder
Aska, led by Tony Badenoch of 6KBW, was instructed to prosecute six defendants charged with murder.
News report here.
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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 BE [Wood Green CC] 2023
Murder
Prosecution of a man charged with murder. Instructed by CPS, Homicide.
Led by Bill Boyce KC.
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R v Youth Isleworth Crown Court 2023
Prosecution of attempted murder following the stabbing of a 13 year schoolboy
Led by Frederick Hookway, Phoebe prosecuted a youth for stabbing another schoolboy 17 times on his way to school. The defendant was ultimately convicted of attempted murder, having pleaded guilty to a s.18 offence and then attempted to vacate this plea.
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Op Melrose [CCC] 2023
People-smuggling gang linked to 39 migrant deaths in Essex
Ben Holt was instructed as lead prosecution counsel in this trial that arose from the investigation into the thirty-nine Vietnamese nationals who died in the rear of a lorry. Ben was previously instructed as led junior [led by Bill Emlyn-Jones KC] in the prosecution of a man for thirty-nine counts of manslaughter. Instructed by CPS, SEOCID.
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Operation Westable [CCC] 2023
Murder & Prevention of Lawful Burial
Successful prosecution of three defendants charged with murder and prevention of a lawful burial. The trial took three months. The prosecution called family members of the defendants in order to prove the case. Defendants jailed for life, minimum term thirty-four years. The Judge concluded that it was a sadistic murder. Instructed by CPS, Homicide.
Led by Allison Hunter KC [now HHJ Hunter KC].
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R v. V [CCC] 2023
Hatchet killer convicted of murder
Sam Willis, led by Catherine Pattison, prosecuted this murder where the defendant was relying on the partial defence of diminished responsibility. The defendant accepted that he had killed his sister-in-law by brutally attacking her with a hatchet, but claimed that he had been suffering from paranoid delusions at the time that caused him to see her as a manifestation of the devil. The prosecution’s case was that this ’sham defence’ had been concocted by the defendant after his arrest to avoid the consequences of his actions. Following a three-week trial the defendant’s account was rejected by the jury and they convicted him of murder and making a threat to kill. Complexities included contested opinion evidence from four psychiatrists and the admissibility of the defendant's previous conviction in Moldova for the unlawful killing of his ex-wife.
Sam was instructed by CPS Homicide.https://www.essexlive.news/news/essex-news/ferocious-killer-murdered-sister-law-8621385
https://news.met.police.uk/news/man-convicted-of-the-murder-of-svetlana-mihalachi-in-ilford-470047
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R v G [Croydon CC] 2023
Attempted Murder of Mother
Sole prosecution counsel in this trial. The defendant was alleged to have attempted to murder his mother. Defence was insanity. Expert evidence called by both prosecution and defence. Hung jury. Instructed by CPS London.
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R v S [Isleworth Crown Court] 2023 2023
Stabbing by 15 year old bo
Lead prosecution counsel. The defendant, a 15 year-old boy, accused of attempted murder having stabbed an acquaintance, who was 14 years of age, a total of seventeen times.
[Instructed by CPS, London]
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R v E [Wood Green CC] 2023
Homicide Allegation
Homicide allegation – stabbing in Tottenham. Instructed by CPS, Homicide.
Led by Bill Boyce KC.
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R v AN [Central Criminal Court] 2023
Attempted Murder, wounding with intent and having an offensive weapon – Ongoing
Alejandra is instructed to represent AN who is charged with Attempted Murder following a stabbing on a Victoria Line tube train. This serious charge is complicated by gang membership, bad character and CCTV evidence.
The Defence case is that AN was acting in self-defence, having been threatened by the complainant with a knife.
The Daily Mail - https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11470433/Man-charged-stabbing-16-year-old-busy-London-tube.html
The Standard - https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/stabbing-victoria-line-train-stockwell-london-crime-b1042382.html
Wandsworth Guardian - https://www.wandsworthguardian.co.uk/news/23151139.victoria-line-tube-stabbing-man-charged-attempted-murder/
The Sun - https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/20554323/teen-charged-schoolboy-stabbed-tube-train/
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R v HU [Central Criminal Court] 2023
Murder
William Davis led by Allison Hunter KC prosecuted the alleged ringleader of one of the UK's deadliest gangs and has been convicted of two murders.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/22762653/mali-boys-uk-deadliest-gang-war/
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R v K [Kingston CC] 2023
One Punch Manslaughter
Sole prosecution counsel in a ‘one-punch manslaughter’ trial. The defendant and deceased were arguing. The defendant stood up and punch the deceased once in the head. It caused him to fall back and hit his head; resulting in catastrophic brain injuries and death. Instructed by CPS, Homicide.
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R v DC [Central Criminal Court] 2022
Manslaughter
William Davis led by Bill Emlyn-Jones KC, prosecuted a man who changed his plea to guilty on the first day of trial and has been given a life sentence with a minimum term of nine years and four months for assaulting his mother, leaving her with fatal injuries.
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R v KS [Central Criminal Court] 2022
Murder of a Child
William appeared as junior counsel for a youth defendant, who was charged with murdering a child by stabbing. Citing the case of Horne [14th November 1991 (CA)], via both oral and written submissions, William successfully applied to exclude evidence of a Snapchat post that the Prosecution argued was tantamount to an admission. Instructed by Joseph Hill.
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R v SO and Others [Central Criminal Court] 2022
Revenge Killing
William Davis, led by Danny Robinson KC prosecuted a teenager who took part in the revenge killing of a 15-year-old schoolboy. He has been sentenced to 10 years.
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R v BS [Basildon] 2022
Attempted Murder
Instructed as junior alone to prosecute a 15 year old for the attempted murder by stabbing of another teenage boy.
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R v NH [Central Criminal Court] 2022 2022
Murder - Ongoing
Alejandra is being led by Liam Walker KC in representing NH, a youth, charged with murder. The Crowns case is that NH, together with his co-defendants murdered the victim by stabbing him repeatedly to the chest and back. The Crown’s case against NH is that he acted jointly with his co-defendants despite not being the person who delivered the fatal stabs. The case is heavily reliant upon expert evidence, bad character and gang evidence.
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R v O [Wood Green] 2022
Attempted Murder of mothers partner
Prosecution of a man for attempted murder. He attacked his mother’s partner with a baseball bat. Instructed by CPS, London.
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Operation Tambo [Central Criminal Court] 2022
Three Handed Murder
Three-handed murder trial at the Central Criminal Court. First defendant charged with murdering a fellow resident at the YMCA hostel in Wimbledon. Two further defendants alleged to have helped him conceal the murder weapon in a vent. Case involved detailed analysis of hours of CCTV footage. Instructed by CPS, Homicide.
Led by Anthony Orchard KC
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R v B [Central Criminal Court] 2022
Death by Dangerous Driving
Prosecution of young defendant for causing death by dangerous driving. The deceased was fifteen years of age and riding an e-scooter at the time of the collision. Instructed by CPS, Homicide.
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R v DO & Ors [Central Criminal Court] 2022
Murder
Catherine Farrelly, led by John Price QC, prosecutes two males convicted of murder.
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R v. Ali Ali 2022
Prosecution of Islamist terrorist for the murder of Sir David Amess MP
Jonathan Polnay, led by Tom Little QC, prosecuted this high profile murder concerning the tragic killing of the much loved Conservative MP for Southend, Sir David Amess MP.
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R v S [Isleworth CC] 2022
Attempted Murder
15 year-old defendant charged with attempted murder. Stabbed the victim on fifteen occasions in a street in East London.
Jury discharged; re-trial in 2023.
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R v A Youth [Liverpool Crown Court] 2022
Prosecution of 14 year old boy for murder of 12 year old girl in Liverpool City Centre
Charlotte Newell QC and Frederick Hookway successfully prosecuted one of Britain’s youngest murderers for the fatal stabbing of a 12 year old girl stabbed to death in Liverpool City Centre.
Ava White: Boy who killed girl, 12, in Snapchat row gets life - BBC News
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Operation Kandla 2022
Health & Safety Prosecution under the Medicines Act 1968
Mark Heywood KC led William Davis in the prosecution of a company that manufactures total parenteral nutrition, which is supplied to vulnerable patients receiving nutrition intravenously. In 2014 a contaminated batch was supplied to hospitals treating severely premature babies. 19 babies developed infections as a result, and one died. After protracted and contentious litigation, the defendant company pleaded guilty to a health and safety offence and to offences under the Medicines Act 1968. The company was sentenced in April 2022.
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R v C [Chelmsford] 2022
Defendng in multi-handed murder
Danny Robinson QC lead Nick Robinson on a multi-handed murder of a woman who died from head injuries, following a fight. During the lengthy trial, the Judge decided there was not enough evidence for our client to be charged with murder or manslaughter. C was found guilty of ABH and sentenced to 6 months. Counsel was instructed by Martin Tracy of Brooklyn Law Solicitors.
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Operation Tembe [Wood Green Crown Court] 2022
Two-handed Murder
Two-handed murder trial. First defendant stabbed the deceased in clear view of CCTV cameras. Second-defendant was in the vicinity at the time that the fatal wound was concerned. Case required detailed submissions in relation to joint enterprise. Instructed by CPS, Homicide.
Led by Bill Boyce KC
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R v ME [Bournemouth Crown Court] 2022
Attempted Murder
Alejandra was instructed to represent MR, as sole counsel, who was charged with Attempted Murder. It was alleged that following a domestic incident, ME strangled his mother until lost consciousness and then left her for dead.
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Operation Rayak 2022
Swedish Gangland Assasination
Mark Heywood KC led for the Crown in this case involving a Swedish Gangland assassination of a member of a leading figure in Swedish organised crime by a rival group who carried out the shooting by firing 10 shots at point blank range in London in front of the victim’s wife and 2 year old child. This was a carefully planned operation involving protracted surveillance of the victim, disguises, the procurement of semi automatic weapons and ammunition and a clean up operation after the event.
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Operation Tambov [Iselworth CC] 2022
Murder
Led junior for the prosecution in a three-handed murder [Instructed by CPS, Homicide Unit].
Deceased stabbed to death in Parsons Green.
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R v JW & Another [Coventry] 2022
Murder
Gordon Carse, led by Paul Keleher QC, represented a defendant charged with the murder of two elderly victims separated by a three-year period, in which other serious offending was committed. The case involved complex and extensive expert evidence, including pathology, cell site and DNA evidence.
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R v RK & Others [Central Criminal Court] 2022
Murder, Conspiracy to Pervert the Course of Justice
Ria was led by James Scobie QC of Garden Court Chambers and instructed to represent RK who faced trial for Murder and Conspiracy to Pervert the Course of Justice. It was alleged that RK and one of his co-defendants jointly attacked the deceased and then spent days covering up the death, ultimately setting fire to the deceased’s body in a public park. Shortly before trial, the Crown accepted a guilty plea to Manslaughter and Perverting the Course of Justice.
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R v RH [Inner London Crown Court] 2022
Murder of teenager by best friend
Charlotte Newell QC successfully prosecuted teenager for stabbing his best friend to death in front of his mother and brother. Witnesses and Defendant both vulnerable and requiring intermediaries and adaptations to the Court process.
Nineteen-year-old guilty of stabbing a teenager in front of his family – Southwark News
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R v. LD & ors [Wood Green] 2022
North London Shooting in broad daylight.
Sarah Forshaw KC represented one of four defendants in this trial involving a fatal North London 'shooting'. The Deceased was shot twice in broad daylight on housing estate in Edmonton. Case involved the analysis of CCTV and Cell Site evidence to demonstrate how the Defendants happened to ‘spot’ the deceased and follow him around the streets of Edmonton before two of them exited a car and shot him at close range. Cut throat defences were run. Evidence as to the Defendants’ association and clothing worn by the shooter at the time of the killing was admitted through drill videos recovered from You Tube. Trial commenced on the 4th October 2021 and concluded on the 18th March 2022. Jury were in retirement for 100 hours and 19 minutes. Sarah Forshaw's client was the only defendant acquitted of murder.
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R v AT & Ors [Central Criminal Court] 2022
Unlawful killing following mass brawl in south – East London
Charlotte Newell QC led James Brown in this trial at the Central Criminal Court.
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R v DB & Others [Central Criminal Court] 2021
Conspiracy to Murder
Ria was led by David Nathan QC of 33 Bedford Row and instructed to represent DB in a ten week trial involving two allegations of conspiracy to murder and alternative offences of Conspiracy to Cause GBH with Intent and Conspiracy to Possess Firearms with Intent to Cause Fear of Violence. The Crown’s case was that DB had been enlisted by the first defendant to carry out contract shootings on behalf of a senior gang member residing in Turkey and operating on an Encrochat phone. DB was acquitted of all conspiracies arising from the allegations of planned contract killings.
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R v S [CCC] 2021
Murder in workplace - diminished responsibility
Danny Robinson QC successfully prosecuted a man who murdered the foreman of a site on which they worked together. The defendant argued diminished responsibility based on his psychiatric state, however this was dismissed by the jury. S was handed the life sentence with a minimum term of 22 years.
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R v. Walker [Cambridge] 2021
Step-Father convicted in Missing Body Murder Trial
Jonathan Polnay, led by Lisa Wilding QC secured convictions in a missing body murder trial at Cambridge Crown Court.
17 year old Bernadette Walker disappeared on 18th July 2020 after alleging that her step-father, Scott Walker, had been sexually abusing her for a number of years. She was last seen having been collected from her grandparents’ house by Walker who claimed she had simply walked away following an argument.
Walker and Bernadette’s mother, Sarah Walker, were also found guilty of perverting the course of justice by using the dead girl’s phone to send messages suggesting she was still alive and lying to the police about her disappearance.
Bernadette’s body has never been found. The trial lasted 6 weeks.
Bernadette Walker: Scott Walker guilty of murder – BBC News
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R v B [Woolwich Crown Court] 2021
Domestic homocide
Charlotte Newell QC successfully prosecuted Romanian man for the murder of his girlfriend who he had brought to the UK to work in prostitution.
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R v AA [CCC] 2021
Attempted Murder
Led by Rupert Kent, prosecuting a father charged with attempting to murder his young daughter by stabbing. Trial was before by a High Court judge, and issues relating to mental health, capacity, and the admissibility of confessions to medical professionals arose.
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Operation Docwu [Isleworth CC] 2021
Attempted Murder
Ben Holt was Leading junior for the Crown in four-handed prosecution for attempted murder. The victim was shot at point-blank range by an individual with a sawn-off shotgun.
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R v SB & Others [Southwark] 2021
Assassination of Rival International OCG
Gordon Carse, led by Jonathan Higgs KC, represented an alleged member of a Swedish hit team, hired to assassinate a leading member of a rival international OCG. The case made national headlines due to the professionalism of the assassination, in which latex masks and other disguises were used prior to the shooting. The shooting itself was designed to be shocking, taking place on Christmas Eve on the victim’s doorstep and in front of his family.
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R v Singh [Winchester CC] 2021
Manslaughter
Mr S was accused of manslaughter. He was alleged to have employed an illegal immigrant to work in dangerous conditions. The worker was killed when a wall collapsed. The case gave rise to complex issues of law. Although Mr S was eventually convicted, by a majority verdict, the High Court Judge praised Paul for his handling of an emotive and difficult case.
Junior counsel – Olivia Haggar
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R v MGK [Southwark] 2021
Historic Rape
Instructed privately to defend a businessman who had been extradited from the Netherlands to face multiple historic rape charges. Following Sarah Forshaw QC’s cross-examination of the complainant and a second prosecution witness, the prosecution offered no evidence, and the defendant was formally acquitted on all counts.
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R v F [Preston Crown Court] 2021
Defending in a domestic murder
Danny Robinson QC was instructed to defend an individual charged with murder, after a man was found dead at a home in Lancashire. F was jailed for nine years and nine months for manslaughter. Counsel was instructed by Martin Hilson of Barrett Nelligan Solicitors.
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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 GO [CCC] 2021
Murder
Sarah Forshaw QC was instructed to defend the young son of a lawyer in an 8 week murder trial at the Central Criminal Court. It was agreed that Miss Forshaw’s client had delivered the fatal blow. The incident was captured on CCTV. Her client was acquitted of both murder and manslaughter.
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R v LP & CJ [Central Criminal Court] 2021
Murder & Wounding with Intent
Catherine was led by Mark Heywood QC. LP was convicted of murder. LP and CJ were convicted of wounding with intent and attempted robbery.
News report here.
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R v L [Snaresbrook] 2021
Manslaughter
Prosecution of a cyclist for manslaughter. Defendant had cycled through a red light which caused a collision with a pedestrian who died. Defendant convicted of a s35 OAPA offence and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment. Instructed by CPS Homicide.
Commendation received from the Police Team.
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R v SJ [Kingston Crown Court] 2021
Successful defence of severely disabled woman accused of facilitating the rape of a child
Charlotte Newell QC defended a young woman with significant physical disabilities, wheelchair bound and non-verbal accused of facilitating the rape of a child by her boyfriend. Charlotte together with Talitha Gilpin of Birds solicitors prepared sought targeted expert reports as to the Defendant’s susceptibility to abuse establishing that she too was a victim of coercion and abuse. Following comprehensive representations the Crown offered no evidence.
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R v R [Central Criminal Court] 2021
Murder of homeless woman during covid lockdown
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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. Hughes & ors [C.C.C.] 2021
Essex lorry deaths case - 39 counts of manslaughter
Jonathan Polnay, led by William Emlyn Jones, prosecuted eight men for conspiracy to facilitate illegal immigration and 39 counts of manslaughter, arising out of the death of Vietnamese migrants in a sealed lorry trailer.
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R v MA [Isleworth Crown Court] 2021
Murder of vulnerable male cuckooed by serial liar and drug user
Charlotte Newell QC prosecuted the murder of this vulnerable male. Defendant chose to represent himself part way through trial.
Frail 55-year-old man murdered by fake nephew who took over his life in three weeks (yahoo.com)
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R v T [Hove Crown Court] 2021
Defending in a baby-shaking murder
Danny Robinson QC successfully defended T in a 6 week baby-shaking murder trial at Hove Crown Court. T was acquitted of murder, but was alternatively found guilty of allowing the death of a child. She was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months’ imprisonment. Counsel was instructed by Berry & Lamberts Solicitors.
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R v. Long & ors [C.C.C.] 2020
Killing of serving Thames Valley Police officer, PC Andrew Harper
Prosecution of three young men for the homicide of Thames Valley Police Officer, PC Andrew Harper, who was tragically killed whilst trying to apprehend thieves. (Leaders, Brian Altman QC, and then Jonathan Laidlaw QC).
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R v Robinson and ors [CCC] 2020
39 counts of manslaughter of Vietnamese migrants
Jonathan Polnay was led by Bill Emlyn Jones in this prosecution for the manslaughter of 39 Vietnamese migrants who suffocated to death in a shipping container whilst being smuggled in to the UK.
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R v LG & 4 ors [Manchester CC] 2020
Homicide
Jonathan Higgs QC represented LG in the final instalment of the notorious Salford gang wars of 2015, when machine guns, pump action shotguns, machetes and even military handgrenades were used in a series of executions and assassination attempts spreading all across Manchester and then abroad to Spain. LG was acquitted of all charges.
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Operation Melrose [CCC] 2020
People Smuggling
Disclosure junior. Investigation into the 39 Vietnamese nationals who died in a lorry in Essex.
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R v Gopaul and Bannerman [C.C.C.] 2020
Homicide
Anthony Orchard QC led William Davis for the prosecution in a murder trial following an incident outside a nightclub in which a man was stabbed. After the killing the Defendant fled to Cyprus with the assistance of a friend, who was convicted of assisting an offender. The Defendant was extradited to the UK in 2019.
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R v SF & Ors [CCC] 2020
Homicide
Led by John Price QC. The prosecution of four men for murder. The case involved a significant amount of telephone and cell-site evidence.
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R v DC [Croydon Crown Court] 2020 2020
Murder
12 count indictment including murder, administering poison to endanger life, fraud and theft. Led by Eleanor Laws QC defending vulnerable client who was 17 during the indictment period.
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R v Bryan & Ahwan [Kingston] 2020 2020
Murder
Anthony Orchard QC led William Davis in the prosecution of two defendants for an incident in Kingston town centre in which a van was deliberately driven at one males, and another was fatally stabbed.
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R v. Long and ors [CCC] 2020
Prosecution of three men for killing a Thames Valley police officer
Jonathan Polnay was led by Brian Altman QC (first trial) and Jonathan Laidlaw QC (second trial) in the prosecution of three young men for killing PC Andrew Harper, whilst trying to escape with a stolen quad bike.
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R v FP [CCC] 2020
Homicide
Led by Crispin Aylett QC. The prosecution of three men for murder.
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R v Fuller [Kingston] 2020
Far Right Extremist charged with Car Park Stabbing of Bulgarian National
Jonathan Polnay prosecution Vincent Fuller for attempted murder. Having been inspired by the Christchurch massacre, Fuller tried to carry out a terrorist-motivated knife attack in South West London.
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R v IA [Aylesbury Crown Court] 2020
Attempted Murder
s18 GBH and possession of an offensive weapon. Defendant acquitted of both counts following careful cross-examination of the complainant.
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R v SA [C.C.C.] 2020 2020
Murder
Anthony Orchard QC led William Davis in the prosecution of a defendant in connection with an incident at an all-night party in Aldgate in which one man was fatally stabbed, and three others were injured.
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R v A [CCC] 2020
Attempted Murder
Rupert Kent was instructed as junior alone by the CPS to prosecute this attempted murder, relating to the infliction of serious knife injuries by the defendant upon his infant daughter.
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R v. KB [Woolwich] 2020
Attempted Murder
Valeria Swift was instructed by EBR Attridge to represent the first defendant in an eight-handed attempted murder trial at Woolwich Crown Court. Her client was acquitted of attempted murder at the conclusion of the trial.
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R v W & Ors [Basildon Crown Court] 2020
County Lines Drug Related Murder
Representing the first of four defendants in a County lines drugs-related murder trial. Miss Forshaw’s lay client was said to be the ringleader but was the only defendant to be acquitted on all counts; the other three defendants were unanimously convicted of murder. Instructed by Imran Khan & Partners.
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R v K [CCC] 2020
Murder
Sarah Forshaw QC leading for the defence in a two-defendant murder trial at the Central Criminal Court. The deceased was shot dead close to the Houses of Parliament. The jury acquitted of murder and convicted only of manslaughter by a majority. Instructed by Lloyds PR solicitors.
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R v M [CCC[ 2020
Gang Related Murder
Sarah Forshaw QC was instructed for the defence in this four week gang-related murder trial at the Central Criminal Court. There were two defendants. The jury unanimously acquitted her lay client of all charges, including the murder of one victim and the attempted murder of a second. Instructed by Waterfords Law.
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R v B-L & J [CCC] 2020
Shooting of drug dealer
Danny Robinson QC lead Jonathan Polnay in the prosecution of two individuals, charged with the murder of a drug dealer. At the time of the murder, police discovered drugs concealed by the victim’s car. The victim was a delivery driver who was found with a gun shot wound to the head.
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R v. Biomy & Yusuf [Inner London] 2020
Gangland Revenge Killing
William Davis was Junior Prosecution Counsel (led by Brian O’Neill QC) in a gang-related murder, carried out in revenge for the attempted murder of the main Defendant by members of a rival gang.
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R v. D [Wood Green] 2020
Murder of friend following drink & drugs orgy
Natasha Wong QC and Valeria Swift successfully defended man accused of murdering his friend in a fight following a night of drink and drug taking. The deceased suffered from significant heart disease and traumatic brain injury. Case involved exploration of issue of causation with evidence from numerous leading medical experts, including neuro-pathologists, cardiologists, histo-pathologists, toxicologists and forensic pathologists. Instructed by Ben Thomas of Sternberg Reed.
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Operation Hillside [CCC] 2020
Attempted Murder of Police Officers
James Brown led Ben Holt for the Crown in this high profile trial involving the attempted murder of Police Officers during a gun fight following an armed ‘car jacking’. The defendant was convicted by a jury and received a life sentence.
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R v S [Woolwich Crown Court] 2020
Prosecuting in gang stabbing murder
Danny Robinson QC successfully prosecuted an 18-year-old man charged with murder, in relation to a long running gang feud. The defendant was convicted and sentenced to a minimum term of 14 years.
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R v KG & Others [Nottingham 2020
Attempted Murder
Gordon Carse, led by Sue Rodham, represented the defendant charged with facilitating allegations of attempted murder (2 separate shootings). Following successful submissions as to the admissibility of covert recordings and submission of no case to answer was upheld and the defendant acquitted by directed verdicts.
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R v. KK & 5 ors [C.C.C.] 2019
Murder of Sierra Leone teacher in South London Arson Attack
Natasha Wong QC and Valeria Swift secured the acquittal of their client, an autistic teenager with severe learning disabilities, at the end of a 12 week murder trial involving six defendants at the Old Bailey. A woman became the innocent victim of a drugs feud when she died in an arson attack just hours before she was due to return home to Sierra Leone. The 46 year old Teacher, was staying with relatives in Woolwich, South East London, when the blaze broke out. Client found not guilty of joint enterprise murder, manslaughter and causing grievous bodily harm with intent to multiple victims. Instructed by Jatinder Sokhal of TBW Solicitors.
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R v J&H [Woolwich Crown Court] 2019
Prosecuting prison murder - diminished responsibility
Danny Robinson QC was instructed to prosecute two individuals charged with the murder of a fellow prisoner. The defendants were cell mates, who were accused of beating to death a man who was found with head injuries, by prison guards.
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R v Jalal Uddin [C.C.C.] 2019
Murder of wife by stabbing
Danny Robinson QC led William Davis in this prosecution for murder of a Defendant who stabbed his wife at least 58 times in an attack described by the pathologist as involving “extreme” force.
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R v Muhammed Hussain [C.C.C.] 2019
Murder
William Davis was Junior Prosecution Counsel (led by Louis Mably QC) in prosecution for murder of a Defendant who stabbed his neighbour after a confrontation in the street.
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R v. Gordon Park [C.O.A.] 2019
Lady in the Lake murder trial
Louise Oakley was Junior Prosecution Counsel led by Richard Whittam QC before Lady Justice Sharp, Mr Justice Sweeney and Mrs Justice May in response to the CCRC’s Referral of the “Lady in Lake” case which was one of the UK’s longest murder enquires.
Carol Park went missing on 17 July 1976, and was never seen alive again by her family. In 1997, her body was discovered by divers in Coniston Water. She was nicknamed "the Lady in the Lake” by detectives. Carol Park’s husband (Gordon Park) was convicted of her murder in 2005. He appealed against his conviction, nut it was dismissed in 2008. Just over a year later, Gordon Park killed himself on his 65th birthday in his cell at HMP Garth.
Gordon Park’s family applied on his behalf to the CCRC and following an eight year investigation they referred the case in 2018 to the Court of Appeal on the basis that there was a real possibility the Court of Appeal will consider the conviction is unsafe. The CCRC cited the cumulative effect of a number of issues, including the non-disclosure of expert opinion undermining the prosecution’s assertion that Gordon Park’s climbing axe could be the murder weapon, new scientific evidence showing that Gordon Park was not a contributor of DNA preserved within knots of the rope used to bind his wife’s body, non-disclosure of information undermining the reliability of a prosecution witness who gave evidence of a prison confession and a renewed assertion that a rock found in the lake near Carol Park’s remains could not specifically be linked to rocks at Bluestones, the family home, should be reassessed.
The Appeal involved the instruction of forensic scientists, forensic pathologists and forensic odontologists and a review of legal, dental and medical records going back to 1976.
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R v. Petrovic & ors [C.C.C.] 2019
Murder of Essex Schoolgirl Jodie Chesney
Sarah Forshaw QC represented the first of four defendants in the high profile Jodie Chesney murder trial. Following the highly publicised 8 week trial Miss Forshaw’s client was acquitted of both murder and manslaughter. Instructed by Sunita Mehta of ABV Solicitors.
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R v. Michael Weir [C.C.C.] 2019
Groundbreaking Double Jeopardy Murder
Louise Oakley was the led junior for the Crown led by Tom Little QC before Mrs Justice McGowan at the Central Criminal Court. The defendant was charged with two separate murders committed in 1998 of Leonard Harris and Rose Seferian. Case made legal history when Weir was convicted as he is the first person ever to be convicted of the same murder twice!
Weir was originally convicted in July 1999 of the murder of Leonard Harris. That conviction was quashed by the Court of Appeal in 2000 on the basis that a DNA profile on the DNA database used for comparative purposes should not have been retained. In 2017 a match was found between Weir’s palm print at the Seferian crime scene. That in turn led to a reinvestigation of the Harris murder where it was discovered that a palm print inside the Harris’s home address matched Weir and advances in DNA meant that new DNA evidence was also found.
Prosecution put to strict proof re continuity of palm prints found a both crime scenes involving a painstaking analysis of historical records held by the fingerprint bureau.
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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. Donovan & Woolcock [C.C.C.] 2019
Loss of control murder
Anthony Orchard QC led Charlotte Newell for the prosecution in a murder trial involving two cousins for the murder of their great uncle. The first defendant alleged loss of self-control; both defendants convicted following a trial.
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R v. Drenova [C.C.C] 2019
Prosecution of Lithuanian serial-killer
Jonathan Polnay, led by Tim Cray QC, acted for the Prosecution in this case involving a serial killer nicknamed Scarface who went on a bloody crime spree across Europe. He was jailed for at least 20 years for his fifth murder.
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R v. KM & 2 ors [C.C.C.] 2019
Enfield murder & attempted murder by Shooting
Jonathan Higgs QC successfully defended this client who was acquitted of the joint enterprise murder of an North London student who was stabbed multiple times and shot following a late night altercation. A second victim survived multiple stab wounds. The two other defendants were convicted and sentenced to serve a minimum of 29 years each. Instructed by Phaedon Georgiou of Joseph Hill Solicitors.
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R v. NT & ors [Maidstone] 2018
Drink & Drugs fueled Killing of Kent Man
Jonathan Higgs QC leading James Martin for Goldkorns Solicitors. Three people were charged with Murder following the discovery of a body left in the stairwell of a block of flats in Chatham. The deceased and the three charged were known drug users and the death had occurred in a nearby flat occupied by one of the accused.
The previous few days were carefully pieced back together by the investigatory team using a combination of CCTV footage, eye witness accounts and call records as well as some footage from mobile phones.
There were complex issues of causation due to the post-mortem findings and in particular the neuro-pathology results. Besides the factual complications there were also issues relating to identification and also joint-enterprise.
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R v. OH [Isleworth] 2018
Manslaughter of homeless man at Westminster Shelter
James Brown acted for the Crown in this trial involving the the killing of a homeless man at Westminster Shelter following a drunken argument.
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R v KW [Woolwich] 2018
"Loss of Control" Murder
Alistair MacDonald QC led James Martin. This case involved the defence of “loss of control” and raised the very difficult question of how a Jury has to approach the three stage test in a case where the violence used was so extreme. In such circumstances the true complexity of answering the final question was exposed. Where the Jury finds there was a loss of control based on a qualifying trigger: are they sure that a reasonable person in the defendant’s circumstances would not have reacted in the same or a similar way?
Considering what a reasonable person who has lost his self-control might do in unusual and difficult circumstances is a very hard task indeed when the Court of Appeal have offered so little assistance on the topic. Instructed by EBR Attridge.
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R v W & ors [C.C.C] 2018
14 year old cleared of Murder
Charlotte Newell, together with Mark Cotter QC successfully defended a 14 year old boy accused of Murder, possession of an offensive weapon and attempted GBH. Client was alleged to have been one of a group armed with zombie knives and an axe who attacked two young men on a London street. Found not guilty after trial of all charges.. Instructed by Lisa Towell of Blackfords Solicitors.
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R v. G [Guildford)] 2018
Alleged hired assassin acquitted of attempted murder
Paul Jackson acted for the Defence of an alleged hired assassin acquitted of attempted murder. The case involved the crucial cross-examination of the Crown’s medical expert and the detailed analysis of CCTV evidence. Instructed by Imran Khan and Partners.
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R v. Nazzary & ors [C.C.C.] 2018
Gang knife attack
Natasha Wong QC led Dickon Reid in the defence of a vulnerable young man with very limited English who was acquitted of joint enterprise murder and manslaughter as secondary party in alleged gang knife attack involving a drug debt. Instructed by Thomas Boyd Whyte Solicitors.
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R v. Theodore Johnson [C.C.C] 2018
Prosecution of man for third offence of homicide of his partners
Mark Heywood QC and Jonathan Polnay acted for the Crown in the case of Theodore Johnson whom was sentenced to life with a minimum tariff of 26 years, increased on appeal against Unduly Lenient Sentence, to 30 years in March 2018. Johnson had been convicted previously for the manslaughters of his partners in 1981 and 1993. His third victim, Angela Best, was murdered with a claw hammer in her flat in North London in December 2016.
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R v. Kamara & anr [C.C.C.] 2018
Gang Execution
Jeffrey Israel instructed by Jon Ross of EBR Attridges, led by James Scobie QC secured the acquittal of Sidique Kamara who was accused of murder having allegedly executed a teenager by plunging a large knife into the victim’s chest in revenge after a gang member was mocked for being caught by police with a samurai sword. The murder took place outside a Tesco Express in Southampton Way, Peckham in front of a number of witnesses.
Sidique Kamara was positively identified by the victim’s friend who was next to him when he was killed. In addition the prosecution relied on telephone cell site evidence, gang membership evidence, extensive CCTV footage, as well as Sidique Kamara’s ‘no comment’ police interview. The trial lasted 5 weeks.
There were two defendants and Sidique Kamara was accused of being the stabber and was the main defendant in the case. Both defendants were unanimously acquitted by the jury.
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R v G & ors [C.C.C] 2018
Murder [Trial and subsequent Retrial]
Anthony Orchard QC prosecuted this trial and retrial for murder. Two defendants were convicted of murder and another of perverting the course of justice. The victim had been repeatedly stabbed and slashed in his home before he managed to stagger 200 ft down the road, where he subsequently died.
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R v J [C.C.C] 2018
Manslaughter of childhood friend
Anthony Orchard QC appeared for the Crown at the Old Bailey, where the defendant pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the first day of his trial. The defendant was sentenced to 14 years and nine months imprisonment. The victim and defendant were childhood friends and had arranged to meet at the time of the incident to settle their unresolved tensions. The victim died by a single stab wound to the chest.
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Operation Northacre [C.C.C] 2018
Gang related Murder
Anthony Orchard QC led the prosecution in this gang related murder trial where a woman was killed after a bullet ricocheted off a wall and hit her.
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Operation Newlands [C.C.C] 2018
Murder
Anthony Orchard QC led Danny Robinson in prosecuting four defendants for murder, in a trial that lasted 3 months. The defendants were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of murder, violent disorder and perverting the course of justice.
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R v HM [Birmingham] 2018
Paranoid schizophrenic charged with brutal murder by decapitation
Paul Jackson was led by Imran Khan QC. Special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity obtained for 25 year old male with paranoid schizophrenia who killed his friend by decapitating him and then removed his eyes, tongue and four of his fingers. Instructed by IK and P solicitors.
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R v. Davis [C.C.C.] 2017
Self Defence Murder
Jonathan Higgs QC led Paul Jackson for the defence of this young male charged with murder. The Crown’s case was that the defendant stabbed the deceased 14 times in a matter of seconds. Whilst the defendant accepted causing the death of the deceased, he asserted that the deceased attacked him with a knife which he was able to take off of him and then acted in self-defence. The defendant was found not guilty.
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R v. Desai [Guildford] 2017
Pharmacist cleared of murder
Natasha Wong QC was Leading counsel for this pharmacist who was acquitted of murdering his elderly father by feeding him a smoothie laced with morphine. Defence was that he made the smoothie at his father’s request to assist his suicide. Instructed by Freemans.
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R v. IH & ors [C.C.C.] 2017
Perverting the Course of Justice / Homicide
William Davis was defence Counsel for a Defendant charged with perverting the course of justice. The Defendant was accused of enabling the main suspect in a murder enquiry to evade police in the hours following the murder and to avoid arrest for a period of five months by making false witness statements and arranging accommodation for him.
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R v. Kibusi & ors [C.C.C.] 2017
Revenge Execution
Anthony Orchard QC led Charlotte Newell in this prosecution of 3 men for the "Revenge Execution" of a rival gang member following a knife fight the previous day. The victim was shot in the chest with an automatic pistol at close range during broad daylight in a street in Ilford East London. They were each sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 30 years.
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R v JH & Ors [C.C.C.] 2017
Murder
James Martin was led by Michael Ivers QC in this case concerning a fatal attack on Halloween 2017 where a group of young men armed with poles and knives attacked another group in a park in Selhurst, near Croydon. Allegations put on a classic Joint Enterprise basis by the Crown. Heavy reliance upon CCTV and Cell site evidence.
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R v. M & anr [CCC] 2017
Fatal Stabbing of Teenager in Northolt
Sarah Forshaw QC represented this 17 year old man who was cleared of the murder and manslaughter of an 18 year old man in Northolt. The jury returned a unanimous verdict after a 3 week trial at the Old Bailey. Instructed by McCormacks Solicitors.
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R v. Garang & Galean [C.C.C.] 2017
Teenagers who stabbed selfridges wine salesman to death found guilty of murder
Jonathan Polnay, led by Jonathan Rees QC, prosecuted these two teenagers for the murder of an 23 year old man in North London. The victim was lured to a location just off of Turnpike Lane under the pretence of a car insurance sale, but was robbed and murdered due to a previous dispute over the purchase of a laptop on the gumtree internet site.
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R v. Yogarajah & ors [Luton] 2017
Torture & Murder of Love Rival
Jonathan Higgs QC successfully defended his client in this 8 week murder trial involving the kidnap, torture and killing of an alleged love rival. Instructed by Farradays.
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R v. Shepherd & Cox [Maidstone] 2017
Baby Shaking Death of 5 month old son
Paul Jackson, led by Nadine Radford QC, acted for a father charged with causing the death of a 5 month old baby by shaking and thereby causing a catastrophic brain injury. At the time of death the baby was also found to have 28 fractures to his bones and had been exposed to cocaine and amphetamine. This case included a considerable amount of complex expert evidence. Instructed by TS Law.
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Operation Mapledurwell [C.C.C.] 2017
Drug related Shooting in East London
Anthony Orchard QC led Danny Robinson in this drug related Old Bailey murder trial. The victim was shot dead at his front door of his residence in Stratford East London in the early evening.
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Operation Marrick [C.C.C.] 2017
Gang Murder
Anthony Orchard QC leading Ben Temple appeared for the Crown in this Old Bailey murder trial involving the gang related murder of a teenager in South Harrow. 2 Teenagers from a rival gang were sentenced to life imprisonment.
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R v. Mulligan & Clancy [C.C.C.] 2017
Murder of 'Street Preacher'
Ben Temple led by Sarah Whitehouse QC prosecuted these two homeless men for the senseless stabbing of this Street Preacher early one morning on a busy street in the West End of London.
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R v. Ruskuls [C.C.C.] 2017
M4 motorway bridge Murder following sex attack
Benjamin Temple, led by Crispin Aylett QC, prosecuted this homeless man who abducted, sexually assaulted and brutally murdered a 30 year old woman as she walked to work. The defendant was sentenced to life, with a minimum of 30 years.
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R v. Sroka [C.C.C.] 2017
Murder of girlfriend by jilted lover
Anthony Orchard QC led Charlotte Newell for the prosecution in this Old Bailey murder trial involving the brutal killing of a 29 year old woman by her jealous boyfriend when he discovered a Post Office redirection letter confirming she was leaving him.
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R v. Pollard & anr [Maidstone] 2017
Murder of Pokemon Go fan
Jonathan Higgs QC was instructed for the defence of this man cleared of his involvement in the murder of Pokemon Go fan, Carl Gregory, by strangulation in a revenge attack for posting offensive material online of an ex-girlfriend. Instructed by Gurney Harden Solicitors.
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R v. Timon [C.C.C.] 2017
Murder of City Banker
Anthony Orchard QC prosecuted this defendant for killing a banker with one punch in an “unprovoked and gratuitous” attack.
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R v. Te [C.C.C] 2017
Murder
Sarah Forshaw QC acted for the defence in this Old Bailey trial concerning the fatal stabbing in the neck and chest of a 20 year old man during a brawl in an East London park in front of picnicking families. The defendant was acquitted of murder, convicted of manslaughter. Instructed by McCormacks.
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R v. Gale [Lewes] 2017
Murder of bomb expert over unpaid debt
Rishi Nathwani led by Michael Bromley-Martin QC in this high profile murder allegation relating to the death of Mark Manning. The defendant was alleged by the Crown (prosecuted by senior treasury counsel) to have murdered Mr Manning due to a debt owed to him. The Crown relied on a confession by Gale to his wife as well as a 14 year old boy testifying that he heard Mr Gale and another discuss killing Mr Manning. From immediately after the death in 2014 up to November 2016, Mr Gale had denied any involvement in the death, including providing false witness statements to the police. In November 2016, he admitted for the first time that he had killed Mr Manning but stated he acted in self-defence and in panic had hidden Mr Manning's body, which was only found in May 2016. He was acquitted by the jury of murder and convicted of manslaughter, a plea he had offered to the prosecution from the outset of the trial. Instructed by Bambos Tsiattalou of the Stokoe Partnership.
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R v. Dobby [C.C.C.] 2017
Drug user admits manslaughter after two killed in Penge car chase
Anthony Orchard QC leading Jonathan Polnay appeared for the Crown in this case involving the death of an aunt and 10 year old nephew killed by a drug user during a car chase with Police. The defendant was sentenced to 12 years.
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R v. Vidler [Maidstone] 2017
Attempted murder with axe
Paul Jackson acted in the Defence of former professional boxer Colin ‘The Hammer’ Vidler charged and cleared of the attempted murder of his own cousin by striking him multiple times to the head with an axe.
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R v. Newman [C.C.C.] 2016
Fatal Stabbing
Sarah Forshaw QC successfully defended an 18 year old man who was cleared of murder and manslaughter following the fatal stabbing of a 20 year old man in Thornton Heath, the jury accepting he acted in self-defence. Instructed by MK Law.
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R v. JLM & ors [C.C.C.] 2016
Murder of a 17 year old aspiring "Rap" artist
Jonathan Higgs QC leading Valeria Swift defended a 15 year old youth, at his 2 month Old Bailey trial, charged with 5 others, accused of the murder of a 17 year old aspiring "Rap" artist in South London. Instructed by Thomas Boyd Whyte Solicitors.
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R v. Orhon [Kingston] 2016
Multiple attempted murders
Jonathan Polnay prosecuted this "disturbed loner" who randomly attacked four women during a stabbing spree in a supermarket car park in Hampton Court as revenge for his perceived mistreatment by police.
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Appeal of DS 2016
Gross Negligence Medical Manslaughter
Mark Heywood QC leading Ben Temple, acted in the appeal by a doctor convicted of Gross Negligence Medical Manslaughter following the death of a patient after falling unexpectedly ill following knee surgery.
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R v. Simpson-Kent [C.C.C.] 2016
Murder of Eastenders actress and 2 children by partner
Mark Heywood QC prosecuted the case involving the horrific killings of the Eastenders actress Sian Blake and her two children, whom were murdered by the partner and father Arthur Simpson-Kent. The defendant was sentenced to a whole life tariff.
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R v. Ahmed [C.C.C] 2016
Murder of father
Jonathan Higgs QC led Paul Jackson in the Defence of a young male charged with the murder of his own father and attempted murder of his young niece and nephew. Defendant found not guilty by reason of insanity. Instructed by Emery Halil and Brown.
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Appeal of Johnson & ors 2016
Post "Jogee" Joint Enterprise Appeal
Sarah Forshaw QC was involved in the post "Jogee" conviction appeals. A matter that is to be considered by the Supreme Court.
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R v. Kulczycki [Maidstone] 2016
Attempted Murder
Paul Jackson represented a male with emotionally unstable personality disorder who was charged with attempted murder. Whilst driving his car the defendant mounted the pavement and ran over a male that he had previously been arguing with. Kent Online news report.
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R v. Miakheel [C.C.C.] 2016
Murder.
Charlotte Newell was Led by Brendan Finucane QC for the Prosecution in the case of a 15 year old Boy charged with murder after a fatal stabbing in the midst of a drug deal.
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R v. Edwards [C.C.C.] 2016
Murder
Anthony Orchard QC led Ben Temple for the Crown in this matter where the defendant had strangled her mother. The defendant had a history of psychiatric illness, with violence to family members, dating back to 1991. Three psychiatrists were of the opinion she suffered from schizoaffective disorder.
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R v. Aidid & ors [C.C.C.] 2016
Murder
Anthony Orchard QC led Ben Temple in this prosecution of 3 women who beat a 21 year old women to death in North London.
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R v. Kulczycki [Maidstone] 2016
Attempted murder of love rival
Paul Jackson acted for the defence of male charged with the attempted murder of his ex-partner’s new lover. The defendant drove his car onto the pavement and ran down the victim. Instructed by Thos Boyd Whyte
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R v. Fruen [C.C.C.] 2016
Murder
Charlotte Newell was led by Simon Dennison QC in this Prosecution of a neighbour dispute which led to a fatal stabbing at the end of Christmas day.
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Operation Lenwade [C.C.C.] 2016
7-handed gang murder
Mark Heywood QC and Jonathan Polnay prosecuted this 7-handed gang-murder trial at the Central Criminal Court arising out of a feud between two notorious Hackney gangs. Following the convictions, YouTube was put under significant pressure to remove videos that glorifed the gangs' activities.
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R v. Salah & 4 ors [Chelmsford] 2016
Murder
Jonathan Higgs QC defended in this trial of 5 men for murder after victim was robbed and fatally attacked in Basildon, Essex. Instructed by Sternberg Reed.
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R v. Sykes [C.C.C.] 2016
Murder of a pensioner
Sarah Forshaw QC led Orla Daly for the defence in a case prosecuted by Queen’s Counsel and Treasury Counsel. The case related to the death of a pensioner bludgeoned to death by a defendant with learning difficulties. Issues of diminished responsibility and assisted suicide. Instructed by Thomas Boyd Whyte Solicitors.
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R v. Ibrahim & ors [C.C.C.] 2016
Murder
Rishi Nathwani, led by Kieran Vaughan QC, represented the First Defendant in multi-handed cut throat murder trial relating to death of Hamdi Jiumale. Defendant acquitted at half time of murder at the direction of HHJ Wide, QC. Co-defendants convicted of murder and manslaughter. Instructed by Stokoe Partnership. Independent news report.
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R v. Hashi & ors [C.C.C] 2016
Joint Enterprise Murder
Jonathan Higgs QC leading Danny Robinson successfully defended a man cleared of a joint enterprise murder in which was the first trial to be subject to the Supreme Court decision of R v. Jogee. Instructed by Thomas Boyd Whyte Solicitors.
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R v. Dubis [Canterbury] 2016
Fatal Stabbing
Edmund Fowler successfully prosecuted this defendant for the brutal stabbing and killing of a fellow Polish national following a drunken argument.
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R v. De Silva [C.C.C.] 2016
Murder
Anthony Orchard QC led Ben Temple for the prosecution in this revenge murder by shooting after an altercation in Wembley, North London.
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R v. Searle [Lewes] 2015
Gangland Double Murder
Paul Walker was led by Peter Rouch QC in this Gangland double murder case, the notorious Hastings murders dating back to 2001. Trial involved the consideration of thousands of pages of evidence collated over a period of 14 years.
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R v. Phillips & anr [C.C.C.] 2015
Murder
Jonathan Higgs QC defended a teenage boy charged with another for the fatal stabbing of a young man in East London. Instructed by Alexander Johnson & Partners.
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R v. P [Inner London] 2015
Murder
Samantha Bonner assisted the Head of Chambers Mark Heywood QC in successfully prosecuting the murder of a visitor to London set upon after leaving a nightclub in the early hours of the morning.
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R v. Mazikhana [Southwark] 2015
Murder
Anthony Orchard QC prosecuted this defendant for the brutal murder by stabbing of his wife.
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R v. Scott [Maidstone] 2015
"One Punch" Manslaughter
Paul Jackson was instructed for the defence of a male charged with manslaughter having delivered a single blow to the head of the deceased who was a fellow inmate at HMP Prison and had consumed 'Spice'. Instructed by TS Law
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R v. CH [Wood Green] 2015
Child cruelty involving infant fatality
Valeria Swift defended this allegation of child cruelty involving infant fatality. Mother arrested in connection with death of her baby. Careful consideration had to be given to pathology evidence in order to negotiate best outcome for the defendant with the prosecution. Defendant pleaded guilty on an extremely limited basis which led to her being released from custody immediately.
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R v. GD [C.C.C.] 2015
Murder
Rishi Nathwani led by Stephen Kamlish QC represented the main Defendant in a 6 handed, 6 week murder trial. GD was a 16 year old charged with the murder of James Hunter. Case alleged that the murder was as a result of brewing tensions between the Defendant’s group and the deceased’s friend. The Crown relied upon mobile phone, cell site and Blackberry/WhatsApp messaging and their interpretation. The case also involved significant non-conviction bad character of both witnesses and defendants as well as complex hearsay arguments. Instructed by Goldkorns. ITV news report.
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R v. Phillips & ors [C.C.C.] 2015
Murder
Anthony Orchard QC led Charlotte Newell for the Crown in this Old Bailey Hackney Gangland murder.
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R v. Brennan [2015] 1 WLR 2060 2015
Murder
Sarah Forshaw QC was instructed in the defence of a gay escort accused of killing 53 year old antiques dealer in a ritualistic satanic attack. The murder conviction was overturned on appeal in 2015 and the sentence reduced. It has become an important decision in cases of diminished responsibility and expert psychiatric evidence.
The judgment of the Court of Appeal, Criminal Division, is now reported http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/Crim/2014/2387.html. The decision is now cited in both the current editions of Archbold and Blackstones.
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R v. D & ors [C.C.C.] 2015
Drug related double murder
Sarah Forshaw QC appeared for a 17 year old man who was cleared of involvement in the double murder of two men in Leytonstone, East London. Instructed by McCormacks.
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R v. L F [Kingston] 2015
Attempted Murder
James Martin instructed as defence counsel. Allegation is that the defendant drove his partner to a remote location and dragged her from the car and attacked her. When this did not work he got back into the car with her and then drove dangerously with the intention of killing them both. In the crash that ensued both were injured but survived. Instructed by Goldkorns.
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R v. B & anr [C.C.C.] 2015
Murder
Anthony Orchard QC defended this 18 year old youth whom was acquitted following a half time submission, in this knife attack joint enterprise murder.
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R v. Jose Sanchez [Cayman Islands] 2015
Murder of special olympian
Mark Heywood QC instructed by Priestleys successfully defended in the Cayman Islands, the trial of JG Sanchez, for the murder of the special olympian Solomon Webster.
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R v. MS [Snaresbrook] 2015
Baby shaking
Valeria Swift appeared on behalf of the defence as a led junior. Baby shaking case involving an exceptionally large number of multi-disciplinary experts on issues ranging from neuroradiology, infectious diseases and haematology. Defendant found not guilty.
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R v. Monteith & ors [C.C.C.] 2015
Revenge Killing
Rishi Nathwani led by Kieran Vaughan QC represented the Defendant in a 8 week long, 3 handed murder allegation relating to the brutal killing of Danny Gough in his bed whilst he slept next to his pregnant girlfriend. The Crown alleged that the attack was planned and executed by Monteith and his 2 co-defendants as revenge for the deceased a month earlier breaking into Monteith’s home and slashing his face. Case involved complex low copy DNA of the Defendant found within the crime scene that was the subject of legal argument culminating in the Crown no longer relying upon it. There was also eye witness evidence, computer evidence telephone/cell site and CCTV evidence, as well as placing before the jury motives of others who wished to kill the deceased. Mr Monteith and his co-defendants were unanimously acquitted by the jury. Instructed by Goldkorns. BBC news report.
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R v P West & ors [C.C.C.] 2015
Hired assassin acquitted of gang related axe murder
Natasha Wong QC was counsel for alleged hired assassin acquitted of gang related axe murder with extensive analysis of cell site, DNA and telephone evidence. Instructed by Bark and Co.
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R v. Riaz & anr [C.C.C.] 2015
Murder
Sarah Forshaw QC successfully represented a law student who was cleared of arranging the murder of her boyfriend by a former boyfriend. Instructed by Imran Khan & Partners.
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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. Patel [Southwark] 2014
First ever prosecution for Acquiring Biological Weapons
Jonathan Polnay prosecuted this young women who was charged with the first ever prosecution under the Biological Weapons Act and attempted murder of her mother, after attempting to poison her, taking her inspiration from the series "Breaking Bad".
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R v PT & ors [Central Criminal Court] 2014
Murder
Nick Robinson was the led junior in this case involving Murder, possession of firearms with intent to endanger life, concerning the shooting with a sawn-off shot gun of an entirely innocent individual, caught in the middle of a gang related dispute.The defendant was acquitted of murder. Instructed by Goldkorns.
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R v. Olson [Maidstone] 2014
Murder.
Paul Jackson defended a male charged with the murder of a former employer by shooting him at close range in the chest with a shotgun.
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Operation Ralemation 2014
Investigation by the Trident East Gang Crime Command
Gordon Carse instructed as sole counsel for the prosecution in a 4 handed attempted murder trial. The case was investigated by the Trident East Gang Crime Command. Following a four week trial the defendants were convicted of attempted murder (shooting) and a string of other firearms offences. Sentences totalling over 46 years imprisonment were handed down.
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R v. Awoyemi & ors [Inner London] 2014
Attempted Murder
Paul Jackson represented a male charged with attempting to kill two males on two separate occasions. The allegation concerned gang activity and a firearm the defendant was found in possession of days after it had been used in a near fatal shooting. The first allegation was dismissed and the second was topped at half-time. In this case the admissibility of evidence of gang affiliation featured heavily.
R v Awoyemi and others (2016) 4 W.L.R. 114
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R v. Terry & ors [Maidstone] 2014
Revenge Killing
Jonathan Higgs QC led Edmund Fowler for the Prosecution of these 4 defendants for the murder of a Kent man found naked on the beach in Leysdown. The alleged motivation for the attack and murder was the victim was alleged to have molested a teenage girl earlier on the night of his murder.
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R v. B & ors [Maidstone] 2014
Revenge Killing
Mark Dacey led by Ian Glen QC defended one of 4 in a brutal revenge attack in Kent. The victims body was found on the beach in Sheerness having been beaten to death for an alleged sexual assault upon one of the defendants girlfriends.
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R v. BD & 6 ors [C.C.C.] 2014
Murder
James Martin was led by Stephen Kamlish QC in this Multi-handed conspiracy to murder at the CCC. The allegation was that an associate of BD was slashed a few months prior to the killing. The man responsible was said to have been located by BD and a gang was called in to kill him. However, the wrong man was killed in a brutal stabbing. The case was heavily reliant upon phone and cell site evidence. The case was resolved ultimately when the Crown were persuaded to accept pleas of guilty to a conspiracy to commit GBH.
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R v. Edgington [C.C.C.] 2013
Murder.
Mark Heywood QC prosecuted the trial of the mental health patient, Nicola Edgington, for the murder and attempted murder of two women in Bexleyheath.
You can read more about this trial clicking Here
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Operation Diamond 2013
Conspiracy to Murder
Rishi Nathwani led by Jonathan Fuller QC, represented one of 6 Defendants charged with Conspiring to Murder with a conspiracy to commit GBH in the alternative. The allegation related to attacking the mistress of one Defendants to appease his girlfriend. The attackers had driven from the Nottingham area down to Poole on three occasions to find her and on two occasions did and attacked her with hammers. The case involved covert surveillance in the form of probe evidence, mobile phone billing and cell site and considerable cell site analysis. Defendant convicted of the GBH after a trial before Mr Justice Royce and a jury. Instructed by EBR Attridge.
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Operation Goomburra [C.C.C.] 2013
Joint Enterprise Murder
Mark Heywood QC, Jonathan Polnay and Alison Wilkes Prosecuted this 3 month,10-handed murder trial at the Central Criminal Court with extensive cell site, phone download and CCTV evidence, including the use of electronic presentation aids (360 mapping).
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Operation Pod 2013
Gangland Drug related Murder
Rishi Nathwani led by Kieran Vaughan QC, alleged Gangland, drug related 5 handed Murder of Reece James Menzies. Represented alleged organiser of a planned execution with sawn-off shotgun, where 3 of the Defendants travelled to an address in Bournemouth from London in the early hours of the morning and went straight to a known drug dealer's address, entered the property and exited 90 seconds later with the deceased passing away during that time due to a bullet wound to the face. Complex case involved covert surveillance probe, cell site/telephone evidence, anonymous witnesses and bad character/motive issues where Defence case was a burglary during which the deceased produced a firearm that killed him in an accident. Much of the evidence was excluded after successful legal argument relating to bad character despite attacking character of the deceased and his associates. After lengthy trial, Defendant acquitted of murder but convicted of manslaughter by majority verdict before Mrs Justice Davies QC and a jury. Instructed by Goldkorns.
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R v. H & 6 ors [Winchester] 2013
Conspiracy to Murder
James Martin was Led by Tim Roberts QC in this Multi-handed conspiracy to commit Murder at Winchester CC. Allegation was that Mr Hallam was the prime mover in an organised hit on a woman he is said to have been having an affair with. The evidence came from substantial probe material, cell site and other telephone evidence.
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R v. F & ors [Maidstone] 2013
Murder
Jonathan Higgs QC led James Martin and successfully defended this allegation of Murder. Principle defendant accused of stabbing his partner in premeditated attack said to have been planned in advance and encouraged by the second defendant who hid in the boot of the car when victim was picked up by the first defendant. Issues in the case involved: Self defence, loss of control, secondary parties to Murder and joint enterprise.
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R v. AM [Snaresbrook] 2013
Murder
Jeffrey Israel, led by Ian Glen QC defended a lorry driver accused of the brutal murder of a colleague following a drunken argument.
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R v. Philpott & ors [Nottingham] 2013
"Derby" fire case
Anthony Orchard QC defended Michael Philpott, accused of starting the fire that led to the deaths of six of his seventeen children in his Derby home in May 2012. The case attracted massive media coverage. Issues dealt with included previous allegations of historic sexual assault and abuse; the defendant’s previous convictions for assault and attempted murder; his detailed background history; other historic character issues, mobile phone linkage and the admissibility of surveillance evidence
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R v. JE & 6 ors [Winchester] 2013
Murder
Christopher Sutton-Mattocks led Valeria Swift instructed by the defence in this conspiracy to murder involving an attempted contract killing. This defendant subsequently pleaded guilty to attempted GBH and was acquitted of conspiracy to murder. Instructed by the Grech Gooden Partnership.
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Operation Farnhams [C.C.C.] 2012
Murder of schoolboy at Victoria Station
Sarah Forshaw QC leading Sue Rodham, successfully represented their defendant in the trial in respect of the brutal killing of the schoolboy Sofyen Belamouadden at Victoria Railway station by a gang of 19 youths in March 2010. The horrific nature of this killing led to widespread publicity of joint enterprise, knife related gang crime. Instructed by Whitelock and Storr.
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R v. PG & anr [C.C.C.] 2012
Murder
Jeffrey Israel defended the mother of a paranoid schizophrenic who randomly attacked and murdered a man in broad daylight. Jeffrey’s client was accused of assisting him by hiding him, disguising him, and helping him try to flee the UK.
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R v. DV & anr [C.C.C.] 2012
Murder
Sarah Forshaw QC led Jeffrey Israel defending a man accused of the murder of ‘the tattooed man’ whose identity was unknown for months. The background involved a ‘turf war’ over the supply of crystal-meth.
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R v. Tear & ors [Reading] 2011
Six-handed conspiracy to murder
Paul Jackson instructed as a led junior in the defence of a male charged in a six-handed conspiracy to murder. In this case the defendants were alleged to have attempted a revenge attack on an individual by shooting a gun at his house several times. A significant part of the Crown's case was focused upon cell site analysis.
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R v. B & ors [Winchester] 2011
Conspiracy to Murder
Mark Heywood QC led Dickon Reid for a defendant cleared of his involvement in a five-handed conspiracy to murder case in which the defendants were accused of carrying out a series of vigilante attacks over a two-week period. Instructed by Blackfords LLP.
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R v. JS [C.C.C.] 2011
Murder.
Irshad Sheikh was lead counsel in case of murder and double attempted murder by asylum seeker. The case concerned the savage beating by the defendant of three men whilst they were in a drunken slumber in a sheltered area of a cemetery in Ilford. The violent attack resulted in the death of one and the others receiving severe, life-threatening injuries.
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R v. M & anr [C.C.C.] 2010
Murder
Sarah Forshaw QC led Dickon Reid Four-week murder trial at the Central Criminal Court in which the defendant was accused of murdering his ex-wife.
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R v. K & ors [C.C.C.] 2010
Murder.
Andrew Collings was Lead by Ian Glen QC for the defence,in this Murder trial involving a vendetta, drug related stabbing by gang of youths.
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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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R v. G [Maidstone] 2008
Murder
Andrew Collings was Lead by John Price QC for the Prosecution in this “Honour killing,” by Gravesend Indian community leader to avenge his sister’s infidelity.
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R v. Levi BELLFIELD [C.C.C.] 2008
Prosecution of Serial Killer
Mark Heywood QC together with the then First Senior Treasury Counsel, acted for the Crown in this prosecution of the notorious Serial Killer Levi Bellfield for the murders of the 22 year old French Student Amelie Delagrange and the 19 year old woman Marsha McDonnell as well as the attempted murder of Kate Sheedy. In 2011 Bellfield was convicted of the murder of Milly Dowler and sentenced to a whole life tariff.
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R v. Flinders [Kingston] 2005
Murder
Martin Hooper was junior counsel in this murder involving diminished responsibility and self induced intoxication. This was one of the first cases to follow the change in the law by the House of Lords in Dietschmann