Summary
Our client was charged with murder and manslaughter after a physical altercation where one of the individuals sustained fatal injuries. Our client completely denied the charges, arguing that her actions were purely self-defence and that she had no intention of causing the deceased serious harm. Thanks to our team’s diligent defence and expertise, our client was acquitted of both charges.
Details of the Case
The incident arose in the context of a long-standing dispute between our client’s family and the deceased’s family. After the deceased was taken to the hospital, it was confirmed his injuries caused bleeding on the brain, which later proved fatal.
Our client was arrested and interviewed by the Police, where she accepted that she had been involved on the incident but had acted solely in self-defence. She stated that the deceased had attacked her first by grabbing her legs, causing her to fall and sustain injuries to her hip and her arm.
Following this, she stated that she had kicked him in the lower back in self-defence. She maintained that she believed the others involved would have inflicted the fatal injuries on the deceased, as her blows were limited and only to his back. She disputed having kicked the deceased to the head or the face.
Our Defence
Partner Glen Henry later took on our client’s case, which was extremely complex and involved extensive evidence and witness accounts. Glen worked diligently to craft a strong defence for our client, while providing her with consistent support and reassurance during such a difficult time.
The Prosecution’s argument was that:
- Our client caused the death of the deceased
- Our client was not acting in self-defence
- Our client, acting jointly with others, intended to kill or cause the deceased serious bodily harm
As part of our client’s defence, we asserted that she was not acting jointly with others, nor did she have any intention to kill or cause serious harm. Alternatively, she feared for her own safety, given that the deceased had pulled her to the ground and she therefore acted in reasonable self-defence.
Understandably, the allegations were very distressing for our client given their severity. Murder is considered the most serious criminal offence in the UK and carries a mandatory life sentence.
Manslaughter is an alternative charge to murder, which differs in that the person does not have the intention to kill or cause serious harm. The sentence for manslaughter can range between 1 and 24 years’ custody depending on circumstances, also with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Court Proceedings
Our client’s case was initially brought to trial in September 2024, where she was represented by barristers Maria Karaiskos KC and Kevin Molloy of Church Court Chambers. After a month-long trial, our client was found not guilty of murder however, the jury was hung in relation to the charge of manslaughter. A hung jury is when a jury cannot reach the required unanimous or majority verdict. On this basis, it was ruled that a re-trial was required.
The re-trial took place in February 2026, where our client faced one charge of manslaughter, with an alternative of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH). ABH is far less severe offence, where the penalties can range between a fine and 4 years’ custody, with a maximum sentence of 5 years’ custody.
Following a careful scrutiny of the case, we were able to demonstrate that our client did not inflict the blows that caused the death of the deceased and that our client was not acting alongside others as part of a joint enterprise. Ultimately, our client was found not guilty of manslaughter and was able to plead guilty to the lesser charge of ABH.
Considering the severe penalties that our client was facing, this was a fantastic outcome and is a testament to the outstanding work carried out by our team at Lawtons. Without Glen’s diligent preparation ahead of trial and Maria and Kevin’s robust representations in court, our client may have faced a life-long custodial sentence.
Client Testimonial
Highly Professional and Efficient Service
In total, my case lasted for over 2 years. Throughout its entirety, Glen provided exceptional advice and support and was always available whenever I called. I was kept informed on a regular basis providing legal representation that exceeded all expectations. Having been able to conclude my case, I can, without doubt, highly recommend Glen and Lawtons Solicitors and will be forever grateful for Glen’s contributions.
Looking for a specialist murder defence solicitor?
Being accused of murder or manslaughter can have devastating and life-long consequences. At Lawtons, we understand how terrifying this prospect can be and the importance of having experienced representatives on your side. Our team are experts in defending incidents concerning serious violence and murder and are here to make sure that you face the best possible outcome.
If you or a loved one are facing allegations concerning murder or manslaughter, it’s important to act quickly – get in touch with our specialist team today.
