Successful defence in knife threat allegation at Woolwich Crown Court

24th October 2024 | Lawtons News|
Joanne Cestaro headshot

Joanne Cestaro

Partner

Joanne Cestaro, a Partner in our Crown Court department, recently represented a client facing serious allegations at Woolwich Crown Court. The case involved accusations of threats with a knife, supported by CCTV footage showing our client with the knife and an audio recording of an altercation with a neighbour.

Our client, who had previously been advised to make “No Comment” during the police interview, sought more specialised legal representation after being charged. He and his wife described the situation as “incredibly difficult, facing false and malicious allegations that could have devastated our lives.” They turned to Lawtons for expert defence.

Joanne enlisted the expertise of Janice Brennan, a highly respected barrister from Lamb Building. Together, they meticulously researched the complex background of the case, which stemmed from a long-standing and bitter dispute with the neighbour. It became evident that additional disclosure was needed to support our client’s version of events, which would frame his actions in a different light than what the Prosecution had presented.

Despite strong resistance from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Joanne and Janice persisted in applying pressure for the necessary evidence. “Janice was outstanding in court, fighting tirelessly on our behalf with strong, well-argued points. Her pressure on the CPS led to the case being dropped, with no evidence offered on all counts,” said our client.

Our perseverance and attention to detail ultimately led to the complete dismissal of the case, much to the relief of our client and his wife: “The outcome was a huge relief, and we couldn’t be more grateful. We highly recommend Lawtons for their professionalism and dedication.”

If you find yourself facing serious criminal allegations, Lawtons can provide the expert defence you need. Contact us today for professional, dedicated legal support.

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