Summary
Lawtons represented two clients who were both charged with affray as co-defendants. This was following an incident of violence involving five individuals, which resulted in two men sustaining serious injuries. Both our clients pleaded not guilty to the charge, where they denied instigating any violence. Thanks to Solicitor-Advocate Glen Henry’s robust defence, the Prosecution ultimately offered no evidence and both clients were acquitted.
Details of the Case
Client A initially made a report to the police stating that while driving on the motorway, two males had driven past in a black Ford and used a catapult to shoot through the passenger and rear windows of his car.
Later that evening, another report was made to the police regarding a violent incident that left two men with serious injuries. Witnesses stated that they had seen five men involved in total, one of whom had a baseball metal bat.
Both Client A, Client B and another third co-defendant were found to have been present at the scene when the injuries took place. All three were later arrested and interviewed by the police, where Clients A and B were both represented by Lawtons.
Client A
Both clients were later charged with one count of affray. Affray is where a person threatens or uses unlawful violence or force towards another person, which causes another person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for their safety. Both clients entered not guilty pleas to this charge.
Client A stated that after he was attacked in his car, the two males in the black Ford continued to chase him and repeatedly smashed into his car. Client A said he was followed back to his home address where he then took possession of a baseball bat as an act of pre-emptive self-defence.
Given the attack on his car, he believed at all times that the occupants of the black Ford had a clear intention to harm him and his friends. He accepted punching one of the complainants, but this was in an attempt to assist his friend and never with the intention of causing the complainant serious harm.
Client A maintained that at no stage did he stab anyone, nor was he aware that anyone involved intended to stab someone. He denied having possession of a knife at any stage and maintained that the occupants of the black Ford were the sole aggressors throughout.
Client B
Client B similarly denied the charge of affray. He stated that he had received a panicked call from his friend (Client A) stating that he was being chased and attacked. Client B and the third co-defendant then drove to Client A’s home address in attempt to assist him.
On arrival, Client B’s car was involved in a crash with the black Ford where he was briefly knocked unconscious. When he came round, he said that one of the complainants was holding a catapult at him. He quickly fled the scene as he feared for his safety.
Client B completely denied the allegation that he had acted in a threatening manner towards any person or that he did anything to cause injury. He similarly denied that he was in possession of a weapon at the scene or that he had caused damage to any vehicle.
Our Defence
Solicitor Advocate Glen Henry took on both clients’ cases in this matter. This was a complex case considering the number of people involved and the volume of evidence. This included extensive forensic and DNA evidence, CCTV and numerous identification witnesses.
After a meticulous analysis of all evidence involved, Glen was able to assert that there was a lack of evidence that showed Client B’s direct involvement with the violence and there was no forensic evidence linking him to the violence whatsoever.
Glen was also able to effectively demonstrate that although Client A accepted some involvement in the violence, that he had acted solely in self-defence throughout and that he was not the instigator of the violence.
Court
Our clients were both young men at the time of the incident and had waited nearly three years for their trial. If they were found guilty, both clients would be at risk of up to 2 years and 6 months in prison. This would have had devastating and long-term consequences for both clients’ futures.
Both our clients’ matters were due to be heard at Woolwich Crown Court for trial. Barrister Mohammed Bashir attended court for a hearing ahead of the trial date where, thanks to the strength of Glen’s representations, the Prosecution confirmed that our clients’ matters would not be proceeding to trial and they formally offered no evidence. This meant that both clients were found not guilty.
This was a fantastic outcome and both clients were extremely grateful to Glen and Mohammed for their support and guidance. Without Glen’s expertise and his robust intervention ahead of court, the matter likely would have proceeded to trial and our clients may have been at risk of conviction.
Looking for a specialist solicitor?
If you are facing criminal charges, it is essential that you seek out specialist legal representation in order secure the best possible outcome in your case. Our team at Lawtons have experience and expertise in all areas of criminal defence and can assist you at any stage during the investigation. Contact a member of our team now on 0333 577 0522 or visit our enquiries page.
