Notable Criminal Cases

2023

2023 R V MP – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT – ATTEMPTED MURDER

 

Our client stood trial, charged with attempted murder x2, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and theft of a motor vehicle. Our client is a well-known music artist. It was the Crown’s case that he was a gang member and that his chain worth £20k was stolen at an event; the Crown used this to demonstrate the motive for the shooting. The Crown relied on CCTV footage from the event that showed several altercations, to include a firearm being pointed at our client in addition to his chain being taken. The Crown then relied on the continuity of CCTV, to cell site, where they cell sited our client to the area where the motor vehicle was stolen, the same motor vehicle used for the shooting. The Crown then produced ANPR of that vehicle to show it travelling to the scene of the shooting. Finally, the Crown relied on CCTV of the shooting itself that showed the vehicle pulling up to the subject address and shooting at the house. It was the Crown’s case that the client knocked on the door before carrying out the shooting with the intent to kill two of those inside. Forensics found the bullet lodged in the glass panel of the door and GSR (gunshot residue) on a ‘Trapstar’ jacket. Our client accepted it was him in the CCTV at the event, accepted the ‘Trapstar’ jacket was his and accepted the mobile phone number from the cell site but denied it was him in the CCTV at the scene of the shooting. After a 3-week trial with the jury out for just 3 days, not guilty verdicts were returned to all 4 counts and as a result our client was acquitted of all charges.

 

2023 R V R- ISLEWORTH CROWN COURT- MURDER AND POSSESSION OF OFFENSIVE WEAPON

 

Our client was charged with murder following a fatal stabbing in West London in 2020. Our client was arrested at the scene and DNA evidence linked him to weapons used during the altercation. The crown relied upon on a large amount of CCTV evidence, forensic evidence, eyewitness accounts and call data evidence to prosecute our client. We were required to respond to each piece of evidence accordingly, in order to mount his defence of self-defence. Years of case preparation went into this matter; we worked tirelessly in order to defend our client in this difficult case.

 

2023 R V C- NEWCASTLE CROWN COURT- CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT MURDER

 

Our client was charged as part of a multi-handed gun network with conspiracy to commit murder. There were 4 different police forces working on this and tracked our client to London. It was alleged that different gangs were working together. It was alleged that the victim was shot at outside of his address. The Crown looked to rely on CCTV, forensic evidence and telecommunications evidence to prove their case. After extensive legal arguments we had a charge of conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence accepted where our client received a sentence of 5 years and 2 months.

 

2023 R V C LUTON CROWN COURT-MULTI HANDED-MURDER

 

Our client was charged with 3 others for the offence of murder. The Crown’s case was that the victim was stabbed to death at his flat. That the defendants had travelled to the victim’s address with the intention of robbing him in a “honey trap.”

That 2 female co-defendants had lured our client and another male into the flat where the murder took place.

 

The Crown looked to rely on forensics, cell-site analysis, CCTV and telecommunications evidence.

 

After a lengthy trial our client was not guilty of murder and convicted of the lessor offences of manslaughter and conspiracy to commit robbery.

 

2023 R V T- PORTSMOUTH CROWN COURT- AGGRAVATED BURGLARY

 

This was a serious incident whereby the accused were alleged to have kicked in the door to a flat, entered in a group, wearing balaclavas and carrying weapons. Once inside, they allegedly tied up the occupants, made demands for cash and jewellery, stole a few items, but in the course of doing so, there was an altercation with one of the residents. He was slashed around the face with a blade sustaining a GBH level injury. Before the offenders left, they took one of the occupants with them, kidnapping him.

 

Following extensive evidence produced by the crown, including CCTV, footwear pattern analysis and telephone evidence, our client accepted attending the location of the flat, but did not accept taking part in the aggravated burglary. He was the only defendant (of four) to be acquitted of the aggravated burglary, and the only defendant to avoid a custodial sentence in this case.

 

2023 R V B- HARROW CROWN COURT- POSSESSION OF A FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE

 

In this case, our client was found in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The Prosecution case was that the defendant not only possessed a firearm and ammunition but that he did so intending that life would be endangered as a consequence. During his trial, our client gave evidence stating that he did not know of the presence of the ammunition in the firearm and therefore he had no intention to use the firearm.

 

During the case preparation for this matter, we requested a modern slavery referral and then relied upon the defence of duress during the trial. The defendant was able to provide a detailed account of his difficulties with local gang members, and the threats he had subjected to in the lead up to his arrest.

 

The defendant was acquitted of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life following a lengthy trial.

 

2023 R V C- SOUTHWARK CROWN COURT- S18 GBH AND VIOLENT DISORDER

 

Our client was charged with S18 grievous bodily harm after a fight broke out in Selfridges in Oxford Street in May 2021. During this altercation our client was stabbed. He raised self-defence during his police station interview as a defence to the violent disorder charge and maintained this defence throughout his trial.

 

One other male involved in the fight was stabbed during this altercation. Our client was accused of inflicted these stab wounds. Again, our client denied this allegation. He did not accept stabbing the victim in self-defence or otherwise.

 

We worked tirelessly, examining the CCTV and mobile phone footage in this case, to determine our client’s involvement and advise him accordingly.

 

Following a lengthy trial, our client was acquitted of the s18 GBH, avoiding prison time.

 

2023 R V A- INNER LONDON CROWN COURT- MURDER

 

Our client was accused of murder following a stabbing in Eltham in February 2022. Our client accepted being present but denied having any involvement in the stabbing.

 

The crown conceded that our client was not the person who stabbed the victim, but stated that our client was responsible for his death, by encouraging the individual who did stab the victim.

 

This was a complex case, involving CCTV, phone evidence, DNA evidence, and a large amount of eyewitness evidence.

 

Following trial our client was acquitted of the murder and convicted of a lesser offence.

 

2023 R V D- SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT- KIDNAPPING AND ROBBERY

 

Our client was one of three defendants to be charged with the above offences following phone work which placed our client in the car used during an alleged kidnapping.

 

We examined the call data provided by the crown in this case and discovered a phone number linking the alleged victim and a prosecution witness in this matter to a large drug operation. Upon pushing for further disclosure on this drugs line during the course of the trial, we were provided with evidence to support our client’s account- that the ‘victim’ was pretending that he was kidnapped in order dupe the head of drug dealing enterprise into providing ransom money.  

 

Upon the service of this disclosure, the prosecution discontinued the case against our client before delivering their closing speech.

 

2023 R V Y- WOOD GREEN CROWN COURT- POSSESSION OF A FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE AND ROBBERY

 

This case involved two young men, coerced into drug deliveries by older gang members in their area. Our client was caught on CCTV leaving a flat and carrying a bag containing a firearm in September 2020.

 

Our client relayed how he was threatened and forced to collect this package. He was able to provide evidence of violence inflicted on him in the past by the same gang.

 

We requested a modern slavery referral for this young client, but this was rejected by the Single Competent Authority (SCA) due to the contradictions between our client’s account and the information provided to them by the police. Of course, the police were providing the SCA with an alternative theory to our client, and that was one we did not accept. Despite this setback, we persevered.

 

Our client was acquitted of both charges following trial, avoiding a lengthy and life-changing prison sentence.

 

2023 R V W – ISLEWORTH CROWN COURT –ATTEMPTED MURDER AND S.18 GBH

 

Our client was accused of attempting to kill the victim following 18 shots fired at the victim at close range. Our client was seen on CCTV being present at the shooting but denied having any involvement. The Crown accepted our client was not the shooter but stated that he was still involved and therefore responsible for the near death of the victim.

 

The complex trial involved CCTV, phone evidence, bad character applications and ANPR evidence. The Crown went further to allege our client had attempted to sell his vehicle which he was driving on the day of the allegation.

 

Following a 7-week trial, our client was acquitted of all charges.

 

2023 R V A – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT – ROBBERY AND S.18 GBH

 

This was a serious incident in which the victim was alleged to have been set up by the co-defendant to meet up. At the meet up, our client was alleged to have robbed the victim of his possessions whilst brandishing a large knife. It was alleged that victim was allowed to walk away by the defendants, at which point the Crown allege our client has run up behind him and has proceeded to stab the victim in the upper torso / chest. The victim had then staggered to a nearby road where members of the public had assisted him.

 

Before this case could get to trial, we submitted an application to dismiss on the grounds that there is no admissible evidence that identifies our client as the ‘second male’ involved in the incident and therefore insufficient evidence for a jury to properly convict our client on any of the counts.

 

Our application was successfully argued, and the case was dismissed.

 

2023 R V G – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT– BLACKMAIL AND ROBBERY

 

Our client was the employee of the victim before being sacked for unsatisfactory work. The Crown alleged that our client approached the victim and punched and kicked him repeatedly and robbed him of £800 cash and a watch. Our client was further alleged to have blackmailed the victim by ordering him to transfer money into his account or that he would continue to beat him.

 

The Crown were able to place our client within the location through cell-site analysis and prove the exact amount alleged was transferred to our client at the time the robbery and blackmail allegedly took place.

 

The defence undertook extensive analysis into the working relationship between the client and the victim. Following a trial, our client was acquitted of all charges.

 

2023 R V H – BASILDON CROWN COURT – POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO SUPPLY CLASS A AND CONCERNED IN THE SUPPLY OF CLASS A-MODERN DAY SLAVERY

 

This case was regarding a county line drug operation where it was alleged that the drug line number was changed repeatedly in an attempt to avoid police detection. The drug line sent out numerous bulk messages and had caught the police attention in mid-2021. The Crown relied upon phone evidence including text messages and cell site evidence to show our client was operating this drug line.

 

Our client accepted selling drugs but on the grounds of modern-day slavery through violence and attacks. Following our client’s instructions, we requested a modern-day slavery referral which deemed our client a victim. We thereafter instructed experts to provide their view on the findings and sourced evidence of the previous attacks our client sustained.

 

As a result, the Crown offered no evidence on the first day of trial.

 

2023 R V H- INNER LONDON CROWN COURT-CONCERNED IN SUPPLY, POSSESS CRIMINAL PROPERTY-MODERN DAY SLAVERY

 

Our client faced four counts of being concerned in the supply of class A and one count of possession of criminal property.

 

The prosecution alleged that our client was linked to the supply of drugs through his co-location to the drug line. The prosecution alleged that broadcast messages were sent out in the vicinity of our client’s home address. CCTV footage was obtained by the prosecution which showed our client topping up the drug line on multiple occasions. That our client had also ordered a takeaway on from the same number and provided his home address. Two drug lines was found in close proximity to him during the search of his home when he was arrested. During the interview at the police station, he had denied being forced or pressured to supply drugs.

 

Our client ran a defence of modern-day slavery.  During his trial the prosecution relied upon images of our client partying in attempt to diminish his defence. Our client maintained his defence of modern-day slavery.  He was able to provide supporting medical evidence and was acquitted of all counts at trial.

 

2023 R V FH – ST ALBANS CROWN COURT – MURDER

 

Talisha Mathurin, a legal consultant of this firm was instructed on what the Crown called a ‘honey trap’ murder that involved 6 defendants: 3 boys and 3 girls. All 6 defendants were found to be inside the deceased property when the victim was killed. It was the Crown’s case that the females had set up the victim by making him believe he would be receiving sexual services, when instead they had called 3 males to the property to ultimately murder and rob him. The men were found to be wearing balaclavas and gloves and the Crown were able to rely on contact between the defendants in the form of WhatsApp and Telegram messenger chats. The cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head and asphyxiation. The victim also had duct tape around his mouth.

 

The Crown were able to adduce evidence that showed that our client was the one who let the males in to the property of the victim and produced messages between her and another female after the incident, discussing how to conceal / destroy evidence such as their mobile phone devices and discussing what to say to the police and solicitors when arrested. Our client accepted presence at the scene, letting the males in and taking part in these conversations.

 

On the 12th July 2023 whilst others were convicted of Murder, our client was acquitted of Murder.

 

2023 R V KJ – WOOLWICH CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF A FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE & GBH S18

 

The Crown relied on CCTV of our client passing a firearm over to his co-defendant before then taking it back and discharging it outside an unlicensed music event. Our client accepted it was him in the CCTV and accepted discharging the firearm. A number of shots were heard to have followed on from the discharge of this firearm and 2 victims sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to Kings College Hospital where they were treated for their injuries. The Crown were never able to recover the firearm, but instead the firearm was handed in to the police by the co-defendant.

 

On the 19th May 2023, after we uploaded an application to dismiss argument, the Crown offered no evidence to both a possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and GBH S18. Instead our client pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm. Despite having previous for the same offence, our client was sentenced to a suspended sentence and released from custody immediately.

 

 

 

 

2022

2022 R v P – MURDER/MANSLAUGHTER Central Criminal Court

 

We were contacted by our client  following his conviction aged 14 yrs old for murder, to advise regarding an appeal. In 2016 three persons were stabbed , one fatally, in Harrow. The Crown alleged a revenge gang attack in retaliation for other serious assaults. One evening P was present in a cab , together with others, who were armed with at least one zombie knife and latex gloves. The purpose of the cab journey was to hunt rival gang members in South Harrow and Harrow on whom to exact revenge. It was immediately clear to us that P required a mental health assessment. He was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder. We appealed the sentence and the Lord Chief Justice reduced his sentence. Having initially been unsuccessful in the Court of Appeal we were then successful in an application to the Criminal Cases Review Commission, who referred the conviction back to the Court of Appeal on the basis of fresh evidence. The court was persuaded that P had not had a fair trial, the new diagnosis itself may not have been sufficient , however P was a secondary party and another defendant in the earlier trial who was acquitted (also our client) had the protections in place of an intermediary as a vulnerable defendant, so there was a disparity. The Lord Chief Justice quashed the convictions. The prosecution sought a re-trial. P maintained his not guilty plea and following a trial was unanimously acquitted of murder and manslaughter by a jury at the Central Criminal Court in under 40 minutes.

 

2022-R v SA-MURDER/PERVERTING THE COURSE OF JUSTICE

 

There was a triple shooting in North London, one fatality. A planned attack by one gang travelling into another territory, in a stolen car with cloned plates to carry out the attacks.  The allegation made against our client  was that he assisted in the burning out and destruction of the murder car following the shooting. Although originally arrested , with several others for murder, he at aged 14yrs , was charged with perverting the course on justice. He was captured on CCTV buying petrol, immediately following the killing and shootings. The murder car was seen on CCTV to be abandoned and later found burnt out, destroying the forensics. We were successful at the first appearance in securing bail and managed to successfully persuade the court to retain jurisdiction in the youth court where the Crown argued that it was properly joined to the murder indictment and that the case should be sent to the Central Criminal court. We had trawled though the Unused material and discovered unused CCTV footage from a local resident’s home of the murder car remaining undamaged for hours, therefore the nexus between the buying of the petrol and the burning of the car was broken.  We drafted a skeleton argument and lodged an application to dismiss the charge. On the day of the dismissal hearing,  the Crown offered no evidence. We conducted all litigation and advocacy in house in this case.

 

2022-R V B-CONSPIRACY TO MURDER-CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

 

The victim was riding a pedal cycle when he was  repeatedly stabbed by occupants of 2 cars who decamped armed with variety of machetes and other weapons. Both cars were later recovered, weapons were found, some with visible blood staining, later shown to be the victim’s. The attack was witnessed by local residents. The victim died at the scene but was revived by HEMS who performed open heart surgery in the street. The alleged motive was a gang turf war. Our client was said to be a member of the attacking gang, although resident elsewhere ,he had been cell sited in the area on days before the attack and at the time of the alleged offence. In addition his DNA was found in both of the cars used in the attack. We instructed DNA experts and argued transference. Our solicitor noticed an issue with the Crown’s expert cell site report. It omitted 2 vital calls made by our client at the material time. It undermined the contention that he was present in either of the attack vehicles. We advised a dismissal point and submitted an application to dismiss. The Crown offered no evidence following a review of the submissions we made.

 

 

R V CL – READING CROWN COURT-MURDER

 

Our client was charged with murder, perverting the course of justice and Possession with intent to supply. This relates to an organised attack whereby our client was alleged to have been armed with a knife, vehicle and a team of individuals to assist in the planning of a murder and clear up, thereby ensuring tracking them down afterwards would be difficult.

 

The central part of the murder was captured on CCTV and the victim can be seen socialising with two friends prior to the attack. Two males, one of which was alleged to be our client, arrive outside the scene in a vehicle, get out and launched an attack towards the group whereby the victim was caught and fatally stabbed.

 

The Prosecution relied heavily on cell site/phone evidence and extensive CCTV which the Defence spent many months analysing.

 

R V MK – APRIL 2022 – CROYDON CROWN COURT – ATTEMPTED MURDER X2

 

We represented a leading UK drill artist on allegations that he shot another musician and their manager whilst they were at their recording studio in Woolwich Dockyard, whilst on license.

 

The trial lasted five weeks and included a DNA match to our client on a face mask that was allegedly worn by the shooter amongst a number of other ‘key exhibits.’ The defence analysed and criticised the Metropolitan police’s handling of those exhibits. The defence also broke down the continuity of the vehicle that was alleged to have driven away from the scene of the shooting to where it was allegedly decamped from.

 

Our client was acquitted of attempted murder x2 and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

 

R V S and Y 2022-CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT- MURDER

 

Our clients were charged with murder, conspiracy to commit GBH and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

 

In this historic case, our clients were charged with the murder of their own friend, after it was alleged that the defendants engaged in a shoot-out with the opposition in which both sides agreed to shoot and to be shot at. The Crown relied upon the case of R v Gnango 2012, but the defence argued that the circumstances in Gnango did not reflect the facts in this case.

 

There was voluminous cell-site evidence that the prosecution relied on to track the movements of each defendant. The defence spent months considering this evidence, as well as instructing our own expert to offer their opinion on the crown’s findings.

 

The defence left no stone unturned when trying dismantle the prosecution evidence in order to prove our clients’ innocence.

 

 

R V E-A 2022- SOUTHWARK CROWN COURT-POSSESSION OF A FIREARM WITH INTENT

Our client was charged with possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and possession of ammunition without a certificate.

 

Our client was arrested when found near the scene of a firearm exchange. The exchange occurred between three males in a car and one male in a motorbike helmet with red devil horns. Following this exchange, police pursued a male on a motorbike matching the description of the male with a helmet.

 

Our client made it clear to the police upon his arrest that he had just stepped out of his home and did not know anything about the exchange. The police searched his address and found a helmet with red markings. They arrested the client despite the aforementioned police pursuit.

 

The police conducted telephone enquiries to investigate whether our client had contacted those arrested with the firearms in the car. At the same time, the defence started working on an application to release the defendant on bail and dismiss the charges against him.

 

An application to dismiss was lodged on the crown and court. Prior to the oral dismissal application, the crown offered no evidence against our client on all counts.

 

R V S CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT-POSSESSION OF A FIREARM WITH INTENT

Our client was charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of ammunition. Our client was found in public with the firearm and ammunition in his backpack. The Crown stated that this firearm was used in a shooting a few days prior.

 

The Crown relied upon photos and videos of our client posing with the firearm. The client transferred his case to us from another firm. The previous firm had put forth in his defense case statement that he found the gun in a bush, suspected it was real so kept it. We successfully argued an acquittal by putting forth the defence that the client was forced to hold onto the gun through duress. An excellent result.

 

 

2021

 

R v N-SHEFFIELD CROWN COURT-MURDER-POSSESS FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE

Our client was found not guilty of murder, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and criminal damage following a 6-week trial at Sheffield Crown Court.

Following a drive-by shooting in Doncaster in January 2021, a police investigation named Operation Sweep Mike commenced. This was a complex investigation involving CCTV, call data, and cell site evidence, resulting in the arrest of our client.

It was established that our client was travelling in the car with the shooter. However, he denied participation in the crime or intention to participate in the crime. In support of our client’s case, we instructed a telecommunications expert to examine the telephone evidence served upon us.  This was helpful in proving his innocence.

Our client was the only defendant to be found not guilty of all charges by the jury. Four others were found guilty of either murder or manslaughter.

R v L CROYDON CROWN COURT

Our client was charged with Murder, Conspiracy to Rob and Conspiracy to Kidnap. This relates to an incident whereby it was alleged that 4 males armed with a knife attended the Victim’s home address with a settled intention to rob him.

It is the Crown’s case that the defendants had forced their way into the Victim’s flat and took him out onto the street across the road and when he resisted, he was stabbed in the heart. Our client was placed at the scene by CCTV and cell-site analysis. Furthermore, our client’s vehicle was alleged to have been used during the course of the commission of the offence. Following a lengthy 6-week trial at Croydon Crown Court, our client was acquitted of all charges.

 

R V S WOOD GREEN CROWN COURT  

Our client was charged with attempted GBH, Section 18 on a police officer, aggravated vehicle taking and possession of an offensive weapon. Our client is alleged to have driven at an officer in a stolen Mercedes and then rammed into a police van. He was also charged in relation to a separate matter of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. This incident involved our client being pursued by an officer on foot and eventually cornered. The officer alleged that the client produced a firearm which was also caught on body worn footage. The client then allegedly made off from the officer.

 

Our client had a  two week trial at Wood Green Crown Court where at half time he was found not guilty of possession with a firearm with intent, followed by not guilty verdicts on the attempted GBH Section 18,  aggravated vehicle taking and possession of an offensive weapon.

 

R V DDH BIRMINGHAM CROWN COURT

Our client was charged with Murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, in connection with an incident which took place on the 26th August 2020. Around 1230 hours in broad daylight and in a public location, two groups of individuals, each group armed with a firearm, opened fire on each other. 10 shots were fired, two of which struck the victim from point-blank range whilst he was seated in the driver seat of his car.

The victim died from his injuries. Whilst CCTV showed our client was not the shooter, it showed our client run alongside the driver’s door of the vehicle to the front, before looking in the windscreen, pointing, and running back to the driver’s door where the victim was, whilst his co-defendant followed behind with the gun in his outstretched right arm. Our client was seen opening the driver’s door and leaning into the car on at least 3 occasions, punching the victim numerous times, then stepping back as the co-defendant fired inside the car. It was the Crown’s case that our client engaged in a joint enterprise by way of aiding, abetting and supplying the firearm to his younger associate.

On the 22nd  June 2021, our client was convicted of a lesser offence and acquitted of Murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

 

R V T HARROW CROWN COURT

Our client was charged with Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life, Possession of Ammunition with Intent to Endanger Life, Possession of a Firearm and Possession of Ammunition.

Our client was charged after it was alleged that he was in possession of a Nike bag which contained a loaded firearm. His DNA was also found on a separate firearm almost a year later.

Following a 9-day trial at Harrow Crown Court, he was found Not Guilty on all counts.

 

R v E INNER LONDON CROWN COURT

 

Our client was charged with GBH S18 Wounding with intent, robbery, and possession of a bladed article in this matter. The victim was stabbed multiple times after the assailant stole his card and bike.

Our client was charged after he was caught on CCTV using the Monzo card stolen from the victim minutes after the robbery.

 

The defendant gave evidence during his trial, detailing another individual providing him with the stolen card and bike. He never disposed of these items as he did not suspect that they were stolen.

 

Following a four day trial, our client was acquitted of all charges.

 

R V M WOOLWICH CROWN COURT

 

Our client was charged with conspiracy to be knowingly concerned in a fraudulent evasion of a prohibition on prohibited weapons and conspiracy to sell or transfer prohibited weapons. The weapons included submachine and hand guns with ammunition.

 

At the time of this conspiracy he was a serving prisoner. It was the prosecution’s case that he was involved as a link between two of his co-defendants. Phone evidence was disclosed showing messages between said defendants on a mobile telephone found in the defendant’s possession.  That firearms in text messages were discussed with the lead defendant who had pleaded guilty. Notwithstanding this, following a six week trial, our client was acquitted on both counts.

R V M-INNER LONDON CROWN COURT

Our client was charged with possession of a prohibited firearm after the police recovered a Skorpion sub-machine gun and hand gun. We made a submission of no case to answer at the midway point of the trial at Inner London Crown Court where the case was being heard. Our submissions were successful and the charge against our client was  dismissed.

 

R V L J-SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT

This matter related to the murder of a 35 year old man in 2017. Several people were charged with the murder and one of the defendant’s turned Queen’s evidence, admitting responsibility for the killing and providing the Crown with evidence against our client. At that time, our client had not been charged with the murder. The informant stated that the murder was carried out under the instruction of our client. He also gave evidence of other offences which he carried out with our client, which formed other counts on the indictment. Our client pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to supply Class A drugs, heroin, and crack cocaine. He denied his involvement in any other offences. Following a three week trial, our client was acquitted on all counts considered at trial; murder, robbery, possession of a prohibited firearm and s18 GBH.

2020

 

 

2020- R V R v J and others. Encro matter OXFORD CROWN COURT

At Oxford Crown Court we represented a client in relation to an allegation of Conspiracy to Supply Class A Drugs (10 KG of Cocaine). This case was investigated by the National Crime Agency. It was alleged that the Defendant had conspired with others to supply 10 Kilos of cocaine from London to Oxford. This case was part of the first wave of prosecutions in UK involving Encrochat evidence after police forces across Europe had been able to infiltrate the Encrochat phone network which was known to be used by criminal gangs. The crown heavily relied on cell site, ANPR and Encrochat Evidence to imply that the defendant was part of an organised crime group. The Defendant maintained his innocence throughout and was the only defendant to be acquitted after trial.

 

2020- R V S- MURDER- CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

Another fantastic result for SVS Solicitors in yet another high profile case. This matter related to the murder of an 18 year old in Newham, London, who died of multiple stab wounds on 26th August 2019. A 16 and 14 year old were identified for the physical act of committing the murder. Our client was subsequently identified by police as an additional primary party who encouraged and assisted the commission of the murder. In this case, it was suggested that our client instructed the two principals to commit the offence as retribution for a serious stabbing incident he was the victim of six days earlier. The crown alleged that he facilitated the murder by providing the pair with a stolen car used to drive to/from the attack site, paying for their taxi journey to collect the car and then subsequently sheltering one of the principals in the days after the crime. Extensive phone evidence was served detailing the calls, messages and movements of the defendants, which the crown used to support their case. After a lengthy two month trial, our client was acquitted of both murder and manslaughter. Our client  was only defendant that was charged with murder to be acquitted.

 

 

 

2020 – R V J-L AND L-W – ATTEMPTED MURDER LINKED TO A MURDER – MAIDSTONE CROWN COURT

 

The Defendants were charge in relation to a murder which occurred at an event in Maidstone. The incident itself was captured on CCTV and there were numerous witnesses. The main Defendant proceeded to a fully contested trial and was acquitted of the main charges. The second Defendant conceded that he had participated in the violent disorder on a limited basis.

 

2020 – R V O – POSSESSION FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT

 

This case concerned an historic allegation which arose from a shootout outside a London nightclub. 2 rival gangs exchanged gunfire using an array of different firearms. This resulted in 2 of the patrons being shot. Operation Trident commenced a very detailed investigation which took place over several years. There was voluminous CCTV evidence and cell site evidence utilising which the Police had tracked the movements of the Co Defendants. There was also clear footage of the shooting and witness evidence which supported this.

 

2020 – R V W – POSSESSION FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT

 

The Defendant had allegedly discharged a firearm inside a nightclub which had resulted in one of the patrons being shot in the leg. There was extensive CCTV footage of the incident and the case was investigated by Homicide detectives who also produced bad character evidence in support of their case.

 

2020 – R V A – MURDER – READING CROWN COURT

The Defendant was just 15 years of age when this offence took place and a 15 year old boy was stabbed to death in Reading. The two protagonists were schoolfriends that had had a disagreement which culminated in a fatal altercation.

 

2020 – R V D – MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

 

This was a large scale complicated case which resulted in a lengthy trial of several months. The Police investigation was based upon CCTV footage, telephone cell site evidence and call records. There was also a substantial amount of witness evidence which pertained to a dispute between 2 gangs in the West London area. The animosity between the rival gangs foreshadowed a violent battle in the street which caused the death of the victim from stab wounds.

 

2020 – R V H – ATTEMPTED MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

 

The Defendant was accused of a knife related attempted murder at a party whereby the victim had suffered near fatal injuries. This was witnessed by several eye witnesses and the Defendant conceded that he had been present at the scene. After detailed representations had been offered the Crown withdrew the attempted murder charge and the Defendant pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding.

 

2020 – R V B-L AND J – MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

 

We represented a client at the Central Criminal Court who was charged with Murder, manslaughter and possession of firearm with intent to endanger life. It was alleged that our client was involved in an altercation whereby the victim had passed away after suffering a gunshot wound to the head. Ms Anna Hogg, Trainee Solicitor of this firm worked tirelessly on this case while Mr Sasha Sidhu, Managing Director, oversaw proceedings. Our client was represented in Court by Michael Holland QC and Andrew Frymann, both of Furnival Chambers. After a 4 week trial our client was unanimously acquitted after deliberations that lasted less than one day. This was despite there being CCTV evidence which clearly showed the victim being shot in the head and the client admitting to being responsible for the shooting albeit citing an accident as the explanation for what had occurred. The outcome was in keeping with the established practices of the firm and our firearm related specialism.

 

2020 – R V H – ATTEMPTED MURDER – HARROW CROWN COURT

 

This case had resulted from a dispute between neighbours which culminated in a near fatal stabbing. The incident was captured on CCTV and the Defendant conceded that he had stabbed the victim but cited self defence. He was acquitted by a jury.

2019

 

2019 – R V A – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT

This was a case investigated by Operation Trident who had conducted a coordinated arrest of the two Defendants. There was an extensive amount of complex cell site material and also telephone attribution evidence. The first trial was aborted and a retrial ensued as a result.

2019 – R V O – GBH W INTENT AND NOXIOUS SUBSTANCE – WOOD GREEN CROWN COURT

This was a case a high profile acid attack in East London. Following an extensive Police operation the Defendant was arrested and tried. The Defendant accepted presence at the scene of the assault which was allegedly gang related and was filmed by onlookers on mobile phones but was acquitted after trial.

2019 – R V U – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT – WOOLWICH CROWN COURT

The Defendant was charged alongside 4 others in relation to a transaction that had take place in Luton. A firearm was then recovered following surveillance by Operation Trident. A large amount of telephone data coupled with cell site information was analysed in order to prepare the case for trial.

2019 – R V P – VIOLENT DISORDER AND FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE – SOUTHWARK CROWN COURT

The Defendant who is a high profile rapper was prosecuted in respect of a large scale violent disorder that took place in West London and culminated in a shooting. He was charged alongside eight others and The Police Gangs Unit were reliant upon detailed telephone and forensic evidence. At trial following forceful representations the firearms offence was discontinued and the Defendant pleaded guilty to violent disorder on a factually restricted basis.

2019 – R V R – CONSPIRACY TO KIDNAP – HARROW CROWN COURT

The Defendant was charged alongside 6 others in relation the alleged kidnapping and torture of a drug dealer. This was a highly complex case which involved analysis of telecommunications data as well as ANPR information and forensic evidence. Queens Counsel was instructed to represent the Defendant.

2019 – R V B – ATTEMPTED MURDER – BRISTOL CROWN COURT

The Defendant was charged with attempted murder in respect of an alleged dispute that had arisen as a consequence of a “county lines” drug dealing network. Detailed representations resulted in the attempted murder charge being withdrawn and trial proceedings coming to an end.

2019 – R V E – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – The Defendant was alleged to be an active gang member and was forensically linked to a firearm that had been recovered by Operation Trident. Telephone analysis also placed the Defendant in the environs where the firearm was recovered. Following the lodgement of a dismissal argument the Crown withdrew their case.

2019 – R V I – MANSLAUGHTER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT –

This was a complex case which concerned a total of 7 Defendants. The Defendant was acquitted after a lengthy contested trial. The case attracted considerable media attention due to the killing being alleged to have occurred during an attempted exorcism.

2019 – R V L – PERVERTING THE COURSE OF JUSTICE IN A MURDER CASE – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

This case pertained to the high profile murder of a bouncer in Mayfair at a New Year’s Party. The defendant was acquitted after a trial lasting 6 weeks.

2019 – R H-M – ATTEMPTED MURDER- CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The Defendant was alleged to be a member of a gang from South London and was accused of being a party to a shooting which took place in Brixton. There were 4 co accused and a lengthy trial ensued during the course of which detailed cell site and ballistics evidence was deployed. The defendant was found not guilty after lengthy jury deliberations.

2019 – R V I – MANSLAUGHTER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

An altercation took place in Tottenham during the course of which the victim was stabbed to death. The Defendant was acquitted of manslaughter after a lengthy trial.

2019 – R V B – MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The Defendant was prosecuted following the death of a man at a party in Central London. The victim had collapsed in a Central London hotel and died as a consequence of blood loss. An exceptionally detailed investigation comprising telephone analysis, forensic testing and social media examination ensued and the Defendant was charged alongside 4 others with murder.

2019 – R V O – ATTEMPTED MURDER – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT

This case centred upon a stabbing which took place in East London that was alleged to be gang related and was captured on CCTV. The Defendant was one of 3 who were accused of this offence.

2019 – R V V – ATTEMPTED MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The Defendant was alleged to have shot another man on a crowded train and the incident was captured on CCTV. British Transport Police collated complex telephone evidence and witness statements from commuters in order to bolster their case. Various complex legal arguments were presented and the Defendant was acquitted of the main charge of attempted murder.

2019 –  R V B – ATTEMPTED MURDER – HARROW CROWN COURT

The Defendant was prosecuted in connection with the near fatal stabbing of an alleged rival gang member in West London. The prosecution was founded upon identification of the Defendant by a police officer and CCTV footage which captured the incident. The Crown offered no evidence after detailed submissions were made in relation to the identification evidence.

2018

2018 – R V B/ W-M – CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY AMMUNITION AND FIREARMS – CROYDON CROWN COURT

This case resulted from an Operation Trident investigation into the supply of firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Detailed surveillance evidence and telephone cell site analysis was central to this case which culminated in an 8 week trial. Complex legal argument lead to an application for dismissal of the principal firearms charge which was dismissed by the trial judge.

2018 – R V G-S/F – CONSPIRACY TO POSSESS FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT

The main Defendant was incarcerated at the time of the offences which were said to have been involved the hiring of a gunman who subsequently discharged a firearm at the victim’s house. Operation Trident undertook a detailed analysis of the several mobile phones and electronic devices in order to build a formidable case which was successfully defended at trial.

2018 – R V T – CONSPIRACY TO POSSESS FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT

The Defendants in this case were the subject of a lengthy Trident investigation into alleged gang related gun crime. 2 firearms and ammunition were recovered as a consequence of a surveillance operation. Alleged gang affiliation and social media downloads were pivotal issues and were carefully scrutinised.

2018 – R V F – MURDER – ST ALBANS CROWN COURT

The client was one of 5 youths charged with the murder of another youth. It was alleged that the attack was gang-related.

The disclosure in this case centred on mobile telephone evidence and relied on call traffic between our client and the victim, our client and the co-defendants, and call traffic between all defendants. In addition, there was extensive cell-site evidence which showed the movements of the client before, during and after the attack.

A careful comparison of the mobile telephone download call logs and raw billing data was undertaken by the defence. The trial in the matter lasted 7 weeks.

2018 – R V D – ATTEMPTED MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The Crown’s case was that the complainant had called the ambulance service stating her throat had been cut and was bleeding. The defendant was attended upon and instructions taken in custody, including the history of their relationship.

This case involved the preparation of a bad character application for the complainant following a careful consideration of unused material. This included police CRIS report and CAD messages detailing previous reports to the police of the complainant assaulting the client . This included use of a kettle and a knife.

Following a 6 day trial this client was acquitted.

2018 – R V T/G – MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

SVS represented both Defendants in this case who were charged with murder. They were accused of shooting dead an unfortunate bystander during the course of a gangland feud. Murder squad detectives had investigated an incident whereby the main Defendant was shot at and stabbed in the head and then allegedly sought to retaliate by firing shots at members of the rival gang on a housing estate in West London. CCTV and cell site evidence was utilised in the preparation of this case and after a 6 week trial both Defendants were acquitted.

2018 – R V K – CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY CLASS A – AYLESBURY CROWN COURT

The Defendant was charged as part of a large scale surveillance operation that culminated in a lengthy and complex trial in relation to an allegation of conspiracy to supply class A drugs. This case attracted considerable media attention. After a 2 month long trial the Defendant was acquitted of the charges.

2018 – R V A – MURDER – LEWES CROWN COURT

It was alleged that the Defendant was a class A drug dealer and that he had stabbed and killed a drug addict in St Leonards on Sea. He was arrested near to the scene of the crime and was summarily charged. Following careful case preparation representations were made to the Crown and the murder charge was discontinued and an alternative charge of manslaughter was preferred.

2018 – R V S – CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY FIREARMS – KINGSTON CROWN COURT

The Defendant was charged as part of a multi handed conspiracy to import and then transfer firearms. The case involved a complex surveillance operation by British and German Police as the firearms were being imported from Germany by a Bulgarian gang. Telephone intercepts were also utilised. Alleged UK based members of organised crime groups were also arrested.

2018 – R V C-D – MURDER – BASILDON CROWN COURT

A drug addict in South Ockenden was hacked to death with a machete and it was alleged that the Defendant had set him up. There had been a long standing feud between the victim and the drug dealer who was alleged to have killed him. The Crown sought to prove their case by the use of eye witnesses to the murder and extensive telephone evidence and cell siting. After a fully contested trial the Defendant was acquitted.

2018 – R V H – CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY CLASS A DRUGS – PORTSMOUTH CROWN COURT

The Defendant was charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs in the Portsmouth area. There were 8 Defendants charged in total in this high level “county lines” case. There was a considerable amount of telephone evidence and evidence from undercover officers. The Defendant was the only one not to be convicted in this case.

2017
2017 – R V E A-S– MURDER- CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

This was a case that was underpinned by gang related violence. The Defendant was charged alongside one other and was accused of the murder of a gang member from East London. It was alleged that he had stabbed the victim in an unprovoked attack. The case was heavily reliant upon CCTV and telephone evidence.

2017 – R V S – MURDER – BIRMINGHAM CROWN COURT

The Defendant who was from South London was accused of the murder of an alleged London based gang member at a party in Leicester. The case was investigated by the Midlands Major Crime Team and led to their enquiring into other knife related crime in this area. 2 other alleged gang members from South London were also charged in connection with these offences.

2017 – R V L – MURDER – LEWES CROWN COURT

The Defendant was charged alongside three others in relation to the murder of a man in Crawley. The motivation for this offence was alleged to have been drawn from illicit drug dealing in the Sussex area. The Defendant conceded that he had struck the fatal blow using a kitchen knife but advanced self-defence as an explanation for this. After a fully contested trial he was acquitted of murder.

2017 – R V M – MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The Defendant was a youth that was accused of stabbing the victim to death in Harrow. The alleged motivation was gang related and driven by a desire for revenge. This case involved a number of sensitive issues due to the Defendants being youths. After a full trial the Defendant was the only one to be acquitted. Both of his Co Defendants were convicted of murder.

2017 – R V H – ATTEMPTED MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

This case concerned an armed robbery in East London. The alleged victim was shot at close range by the perpetrators. Operation Trident investigated the case and utilised telephone attribution/cell site evidence and CCTV. This case attracted considerable media attention.

2017 – R V B – ATTEMPTED MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

This Defendant was accused of the attempted murder of a police officer who was conducting surveillance in the East End of London. This case was heavily publicised and was investigated by Homicide and Major Crime Command. The investigation that was undertaken was complex and reliant upon CCTV as well as cell site evidence.

The Defendant was acquitted of attempted murder after trial.

2017 – R V K –POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT – WOOLWICH CROWN COURT

The Defendant was arrested by Operation Trident following a shooting in South East London. He was alleged to be in the company of a single accomplice in the course of attempting to fire shots at members of the travelling community. The case involved telephone and forensic evidence.

2017 – R V S– CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT ROBBERY AND HAVING FIREARM WITH INTENT – MAIDSTONE CROWN COURT

This was a large scale armed robbery case which resulted in a trial involving multiple Defendants that lasted for 3 months. It was alleged that a travellers’ site in Kent had been the subject of a robbery by a gang of men armed with firearms. A complex and detailed investigation ensued.

2017 –R V E AND K – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT

The Defendants were arrested by Operation Trident as part of an intelligence led surveillance operation. It was alleged that the first Defendant had travelled to Stockwell and fired shots at a rival gang member in order to exact revenge for being assaulted by him. The firearm was recovered on the person of the second Defendant who conceded that he was in possession of it but denied any intention to use it. Operation Trident analysed the Defendant’s phones and produced downloads in furtherance of their case. Both Defendant’s were acquitted of the main charge of possession of firearms with intent after trial.

2017 – R V T AND N-B – CONSPIRACY TO TRANSFER FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT

The Defendants represented by SVS were charged following a raid on a flat in East London by armed Police and Operation Trident. 11 Handguns, an assault rifle, ammunition for each of the weapons and 11 silencers were seized.

CCTV evidence was recovered which established that both Defendants were at the scene and telephone analysis linked them to the alleged conspiracy but they were both acquitted after a lengthy trial during the course of which neither Defendant gave evidence.

2016
2016 – R V M – MURDER – CROYDON CROWN COURT

This is a case which relates to the heavily publicised murder of a man whose body has never been recovered which took place in Sussex.

Sussex Police undertook a lengthy investigation involving telephone and forensic analysis which necessitated the use of expert evidence.

2016 – R V A – MURDER – BRISTOL CROWN COURT

The Defendant was charged with the murder of a drug user and was also implicated in the large supply of class A drugs.

Medical evidence was pivotal throughout this case and a leading expert was instructed on behalf of the Defence who managed to undermine the Crown’s case. After a submission of no case to answer was made at trial the charges of murder and manslaughter were both dismissed.

2016 – R V M-G – ATTEMPTED MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The Defendant was accused of carrying out a “drive by” shooting in West London. He transferred to SVS after admitting in his police interview that he had been responsible for the shooting but avoided conviction for attempted murder.

2016 – R V H – ATTEMPTED MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The Defendant was charged with attempted murder as it was alleged he had shot a police officer after Operation Trident had executed a raid on his home address. This case attracted national media coverage and a fully contested trial at the Central Criminal Court ensued. The Defendant had been detained by officers in possession of a firearm and was identified by a number of them as being responsible for the shooting but was acquitted by a jury after trial.

2016 – R V K – ATTEMPTED MURDER – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT

The Defendant was charged in connection with a gang related stabbing that took place in South London. Detailed analysis of telephone and CCTV evidence was utilised by the investigating police force.
Our client was identified by a former school teacher whose evidence was supported by CCTV. He was also arrested and charged with separate firearms offences during the course of his trial but was acquitted by a jury in his absence.

2016 – R V D – CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT MONEY LAUNDERING – BLACKFRIARS CROWN COURT

The Defendant was alleged to be part of an organised crime network and was arrested following a surveillance operation. She was the only one of the four Defendants to be acquitted.

2016 – R V B – CONSPIRACY TO PERVERT THE COURSE OF JUSTICE AND MONEY LAUNDERING

This case arose from a complex investigation into money laundering and involved a great deal of telephone and cell site analysis by a regional Major Crime Team. There were eleven Defendants in total. After detailed representations were made to the Prosecution the Defendant pleaded to a lesser substantive count and the main allegations were discontinued.

2016 – R V M – CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY CLASS A – WOOLWICH CROWN COURT

The Metropolitan Police Special Intelligence Service had charged six men after the seizure of 200 kilograms of high purity cocaine valued at £70m. The Defendant was arrested at Tilbury Docks after the cocaine was found concealed in the rear of a vehicle being used by the Defendants.

A protracted investigation resulted in a trial after which the Defendant was acquitted.

2016 – R V P – CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT ROBBERY – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The Defendant is one of six Defendants charged by the Flying Squad in relation to a complex conspiracy to commit armed robberies. This follows an investigation that lasted for two years. In total it was alleged that ten armed robberies had taken place in the South London area.

After a lengthy trial our client was acquitted of the main charges.

2016 – R V B – CONSPIRACY TO TRANSFER FIREARMS – HARROW CROWN COURT

This case concerned the large scale manufacture of lethal firearms, and their subsequent onward sale. It was alleged that the conspirators would organise the purchase of de-activated firearms from antique or military shops and would then “re-activate” the firearms, and in so doing manufacture a fully functioning and lethal firearm.

There were eleven Defendants in total and the case was investigated by Operation Trident and it was alleged that they were connected to 30-40 firearms.

2016 – R V C – CONSPIRACY TO TRANSFER FIREARMS – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The Defendant was one of four charged with plotting to transfer a loaded firearm onwards for use in a criminal enterprise. This case involved the use of cell site analysis and an undercover surveillance operation by Trident officers.

After 2 trials our client was the only defendant out of 4 that was acquitted.

2016 – R V R – CONSPIRACY TO TRANSFER FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION – WOOLWICH CROWN COURT

The Defendant was arrested in the course of an undercover Police “Sting” which involved the use of phone recordings and surveillance. It was alleged that the weapons were to be obtained for the purpose of being used in gang related activity.

2016 – R V A – CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT KIDNAP, FALSE IMPRISONMENT AND BLACKMAIL

This is a multi-handed kidnap case that is said to have taken place in the South London area. It was investigated by the Human Trafficking Unit and was based upon the evidence of the complainant combined with CCTV and cell site analysis.

Our client was acquitted after a fully contested trial.

2015

2015 – R V S – MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The defendant along with one other was charged with stabbing the victim to death in West London. After representations were made the charge was reduced to one of perverting the course of justice.

2015 – R V O – ATTEMPTED MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

A shooting took place in South London and the Defendant was charged with attempted murder. The case centred upon CCTV evidence and an identification by an eye witness and was supported by telephone analysis.

Our client was acquitted of attempted murder after trial.

2015 – R V O – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE – WOOD GREEN CROWN COURT

Expert evidence was secured in this case by the defence which led to the case being dismissed because the prosecution’s forensic evidence was undermined.

2015 – R V L –HUMAN TRAFFICKING – MANCHESTER CROWN COURT

This was a multi handed case which concerned a complicated scheme whereby the alleged victims were being trafficked into the UK from Eastern Europe.

2015 – R V A-A AND A – KIDNAPPING, FALSE IMPRISONMENT AND BLACKMAIL – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

This was a multi handed case which related to a kidnapping in East London involving the alleged use of a firearm.

Following a lengthy investigation by the Specialist Crime Directorate there were two lengthy trials after which both Defendants who were represented by SVS were acquitted of all charges.

2015 – R V K – CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT MONEY LAUNDERING – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

This was a multi handed trial which related to a conspiracy to launder large sums of money. Exceptionally detailed telephone and financial analysis was undertaken and then examined by our defence team.

2015 – R V B – CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT ROBBERY – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The MET’s Flying Squad had arrested and charged a number of defendants in relation to a series of armed robberies that had taken place in the South London area. Our client was acquitted of the main conspiracy to commit robbery with the use of a firearm after a fully contested trial.

2015 – R V P AND U – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT AND CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY – SOUTHAMPTON CROWN COURT

Both Defendants were charged in relation to an extensive drugs supply conspiracy and also a related offence of possession of a firearm with intent. A large volume of evidence focussing on cell site analysis and ANPR readers was brought to bear.

The Defendants were acquitted of the firearms offence after trial.

2015 – APPEAL OF I A– COURT OF APPEAL

The Appellant had been convicted of robbery and received a substantial term of imprisonment. After instructing SVS and lodging an appeal against his conviction the Court of Appeal rule that his conviction was unsafe and he was acquitted following a retrial.

2015- R V B/ AND L – VIOLENT DISORDER – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT

This case related an instance of alleged gang related violence in East London. A large volume of telephone and cell site analysis was produced by the Prosecution.

After the jury had failed to reach a verdict the violent disorder charge was discontinued and a lesser charge was substituted.

2014
2014 – R V L – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT– MURDER

Lengthy and complex case involving complex forensic and evidential issues.

2014 – R v I – READING CROWN COURT – ATTEMPTED MURDER

There were complex psychiatric issues involved in this case and largely thanks to the intervention of medical experts recruited by SVS the Prosecution offered no evidence in respect of the attempted murder charge.

2014 – R v T – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – ATTEMPTED MURDER, POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE AND POSSESSION OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION

This was a multi handed case that centred on a shooting. There had been a large scale investigation into an East London gang who were believed to be responsible for a spate of shootings which culminated in this lengthy trial.

2014 – R V A – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT

The Defendant in this case was acquitted after a full trial having successfully established a defence of duress.

2014 – R V S – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – ATTEMPTED MURDER

A stabbing occurred in Brixton and the majority of the incident was captured on CCTV. A lesser charge was brought following successful representations.

2014 – R V D – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT – ATTEMPTED MURDER

A stabbing took place in a restaurant in East London. The entire incident was captured on CCTV and the Defendant was apprehended close to the scene of the offence.

2014 – R V F – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE

The Defendant was charged with possession of a firearm following the seizure of a shotgun and a forensic link being established.

2014 – R V O – WOOD GREEN CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE

The Defendant was charged with possession of a handgun due to being forensically linked to the firearm.

2014 – R V M – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY CLASS A

This case was the result of a complex investigation involving the importation and subsequent supply at street level of controlled substances valued at several million pounds.

2014 – R V R – BLACKFRIARS CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT MONEY LAUNDERING

A detailed investigation resulted in multiple defendants being charged as part of a conspiracy. Although significant evidence was brought to bear the case was successfully defended.

2014 – R V T – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM AND VIOLENT DISORDER

Operation Trident conducted an investigation into a shooting in the Newham area and the Defendant was charged having been identified by 2 eye witnesses. Detailed telephone and cell site analysis was deployed against the Defendant who was acquitted of the firearms offence as it was established that he had in fact been involved in a relatively minor public disturbance.

2013
2013 – R V O – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT – MURDER

Multi handed murder trial concerning a fatal stabbing at a nightclub. The Crown’s case was founded upon CCTV evidence which captured the entire incident leading to the murder. The Defendant was acquitted after trial despite his Co Defendants being convicted of murder.

2013 – R V L – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT – MURDER

This was a four handed trial which arose due to a contract killing in Hackney. This was a shooting with a Mac 10 machine pistol that was said to have been carried out by gang members from Tottenham at the behest of the Turkish mafia. This fatal shooting was alleged to have been the twenty ninth shooting that had taken place during the course of a feud between rival Turkish gangs vying for control of the illegal drug trade.

2013 – R V M – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT – ATTEMPTED MURDER

This case concerned a stabbing in a nightclub during the course of which the victim sustained life threatening injuries.

2013 – R V S – INNER CITY LONDON CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY DRUGS

This was a complex and multi handed conspiracy to supply drugs.
Voluminous cell site evidence and raw call data had to be carefully analysed in preparation for this complex trial.

2013 – R V O at WOOD GREEN CROWN COURT – AGGRAVATED BURGLARY AND POSSESSION OF FIREARM

This case was dismissed prior to trial despite our client having been identified by 2 witnesses.

2013 – R V C & C – WOOD GREEN CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM & ROBBERY

This case related to an armed robbery and both of our clients were identified by the victim and the Police had also recovered property belonging to the victim from our clients. As a result of representations the case was discontinued prior to trial.

2012
2012 – R V D – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT – MURDER

9 Handed gang related murder. This was said to be a planned execution of a rival gang member.

2012 – R V S – CROYDON CROWN COURT- CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT FRAUD

Large scale conspiracy concerning tens of thousands of pounds of credit card fraud.

2012 – R V C – WOOD GREEN CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM

Our client benefited from a successful dismissal application prior to trial.

2012 – R V D – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT –POSSESSION OF FIREARM

Our client was acquitted notwithstanding the fact that he had signed police officer’s notes to the effect that both the firearm and a CS gas canister belonged to him. At trial he admitted signing 2 notebooks and the property search record to the effect that both were his.

After a 5 day trial during which 3 DC’s and a DI were accused of lying and fabricating evidence it took the jury an hour to unanimously acquit.

2012 – R V A – WORCESTER CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY CLASS A

5 Handed conspiracy in which no evidence was offered against our client following extensive representations.

2012 – R V M – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE

Representing client allegedly found to be in possession of a loaded firearm and mobile phone that had been used in furtherance of a conspiracy to supply drugs.

2012 – R V D – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY CLASS A

Multi handed conspiracy to supply class A drugs in the London and Oxfordshire areas. Vast amount of phone evidence and extensive surveillance.

2012 – R V W – CROYDON CROWN COURT – BLACKMAIL, FALSE IMPRISONMENT AND HAVING FIREARM W/INTENT

Our client was acquitted after trial with all prosecution witnesses attending and giving evidence against him.

2012 – R V D – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE

Multi handed conspiracy to transport a firearm from Bedfordshire to South London for alleged use in gang related acitivities.

2012 – R V P – LUTON CROWN COURT – HAVING FIREARM W/INTENT AND ROBBERY

Representing Defendant charged with having committed an armed robbery in Luton.

2012 – R V S – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT – PERVERTING THE COURSE OF JUSTICE IN A MURDER CASE

Alleged that our client assisted in destroying a car that had been used in a drive by shooting.

2012 – R V A – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO IMPORT CLASS A

Complex and multi handed case relating to the importation of class A drugs into the jurisdiction.

2011
2011 – R V I – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT – MURDER

Multi-handed murder which was alleged to be gang related.

2011 – R V Y – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT – MURDER

9 Handed murder case which lasted for 4 months and resulted in an acquittal after trial.

2011 – R V T – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT – ATTEMPTED MURDER

This case concerned the attempted execution of a police informant who was shot 7 times at close range. Our client was exonerated despite having been identified and being forensically linked to the firearm used in the shooting and also the phone that had been used by the gunman.

2011 – R V R – BLACKFRIARS CRIMINAL COURT – CONSPIRACY TO STEAL

Large scale conspiracy to steal mainly centred upon the railway network. Our client was alleged to be the main ringleader and the case against him was successfully dismissed prior to trial.

2011 – R V S – READING CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO MURDER

This was a 5 handed trial which centred on a conspiracy to murder that was alleged to be retribution for an earlier attack on one of the Co Defendants. Our client was also charged with offences relating to possession of a firearm and conspiracy to inflict grievous bodily harm. Following protracted representations the conspiracy to murder charge was withdrawn.

2011 – R V S – CHELMSFORD CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO IMPORT CLASS A

Multi handed and complex conspiracy to import drugs to the value of 4.5 million pounds.

2011 – R V W – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT – CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT ROBBERY

Defendant acquitted after full trial despite accepting that he had driven the perpetrators of the robbery away from the scene.

2010
2010 – R V B – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE

Alleged South London gang member who was arrested in possession of a loaded handgun following a Police surveillance operation.

2010 – R V B – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE

Our client who was portrayed as being an active member of a South London gang was alleged to have been in possession of a loaded firearm.

2010 – R V F – KINGSTON CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY CLASS A

Complex conspiracy involving extensive use of surveillance evidence and forensic analysis.

2010 – R V G – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO POSSESS FIREARMS WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE

Large scale multi handed conspiracy relating to a firearms factory that had been set up in East London. Our client who had maintained that he had never visited the premises in question, was acquitted after a month long trial despite there being CCTV and DNA evidence linking him to the premises.

2009
2009 – R V S – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT – ATTEMPTED MURDER

Multi Handed case relating to the kidnapping and attempted murder of a rival gang member.

2009 – R V A – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT – ATTEMPTED MURDER

Our client was the subject of an Operation Trident investigation as a firearm had been deployed. This was a multi handed case and required careful analysis of complex evidence.
2009 – R V B – ST ALBANS CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT ROBBERY

This was a multi handed conspiracy that related to robberies of numerous commercial businesses. There was a vast amount of material that had been collated and was subjected to close scrutiny.

2009 – R V C – KINGSTON CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT ROBBERY

Large scale multi handed conspiracy that was the result of a lengthy Flying Squad surveillance operation. This case required the analysis of a huge volume of phone data and cell site analysis.

2009 – R V H – ISLEWORTH CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT BLACKMAIL

Multi handed conspiracy to commit blackmail which involved the alleged use of a firearm. Our client’s case was successfully dismissed prior to trial.

2009 – R V P – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE

This case related to a pre-planned Operation Trident which engaged surveillance on a vehicle carrying 3 suspected South London gang members. The vehicle was stopped and several Mac 10 machine pistols were recovered. Our client was acquitted after a full trial.

2008
2008 – R V S – LUTON CROWN COURT -ATTEMPTED MURDER

This case centred upon a stabbing and a conviction was successfully averted as a result of a plea bargain.

2022

2022 R v P – MURDER/MANSLAUGHTER Central Criminal Court

 

We were contacted by our client  following his conviction aged 14 yrs old for murder, to advise regarding an appeal. In 2016 three persons were stabbed , one fatally, in Harrow. The Crown alleged a revenge gang attack in retaliation for other serious assaults. One evening P was present in a cab , together with others, who were armed with at least one zombie knife and latex gloves. The purpose of the cab journey was to hunt rival gang members in South Harrow and Harrow on whom to exact revenge. It was immediately clear to us that P required a mental health assessment. He was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder. We appealed the sentence and the Lord Chief Justice reduced his sentence. Having initially been unsuccessful in the Court of Appeal we were then successful in an application to the Criminal Cases Review Commission, who referred the conviction back to the Court of Appeal on the basis of fresh evidence. The court was persuaded that P had not had a fair trial, the new diagnosis itself may not have been sufficient , however P was a secondary party and another defendant in the earlier trial who was acquitted (also our client) had the protections in place of an intermediary as a vulnerable defendant, so there was a disparity. The Lord Chief Justice quashed the convictions. The prosecution sought a re-trial. P maintained his not guilty plea and following a trial was unanimously acquitted of murder and manslaughter by a jury at the Central Criminal Court in under 40 minutes.

 

2022-R v SA-MURDER/PERVERTING THE COURSE OF JUSTICE

 

There was a triple shooting in North London, one fatality. A planned attack by one gang travelling into another territory, in a stolen car with cloned plates to carry out the attacks.  The allegation made against our client  was that he assisted in the burning out and destruction of the murder car following the shooting. Although originally arrested , with several others for murder, he at aged 14yrs , was charged with perverting the course on justice. He was captured on CCTV buying petrol, immediately following the killing and shootings. The murder car was seen on CCTV to be abandoned and later found burnt out, destroying the forensics. We were successful at the first appearance in securing bail and managed to successfully persuade the court to retain jurisdiction in the youth court where the Crown argued that it was properly joined to the murder indictment and that the case should be sent to the Central Criminal court. We had trawled though the Unused material and discovered unused CCTV footage from a local resident’s home of the murder car remaining undamaged for hours, therefore the nexus between the buying of the petrol and the burning of the car was broken.  We drafted a skeleton argument and lodged an application to dismiss the charge. On the day of the dismissal hearing,  the Crown offered no evidence. We conducted all litigation and advocacy in house in this case.

 

2022-R V B-CONSPIRACY TO MURDER-CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

 

The victim was riding a pedal cycle when he was  repeatedly stabbed by occupants of 2 cars who decamped armed with variety of machetes and other weapons. Both cars were later recovered, weapons were found, some with visible blood staining, later shown to be the victim’s. The attack was witnessed by local residents. The victim died at the scene but was revived by HEMS who performed open heart surgery in the street. The alleged motive was a gang turf war. Our client was said to be a member of the attacking gang, although resident elsewhere ,he had been cell sited in the area on days before the attack and at the time of the alleged offence. In addition his DNA was found in both of the cars used in the attack. We instructed DNA experts and argued transference. Our solicitor noticed an issue with the Crown’s expert cell site report. It omitted 2 vital calls made by our client at the material time. It undermined the contention that he was present in either of the attack vehicles. We advised a dismissal point and submitted an application to dismiss. The Crown offered no evidence following a review of the submissions we made.

 

 

R V CL – READING CROWN COURT-MURDER

 

Our client was charged with murder, perverting the course of justice and Possession with intent to supply. This relates to an organised attack whereby our client was alleged to have been armed with a knife, vehicle and a team of individuals to assist in the planning of a murder and clear up, thereby ensuring tracking them down afterwards would be difficult.

 

The central part of the murder was captured on CCTV and the victim can be seen socialising with two friends prior to the attack. Two males, one of which was alleged to be our client, arrive outside the scene in a vehicle, get out and launched an attack towards the group whereby the victim was caught and fatally stabbed.

 

The Prosecution relied heavily on cell site/phone evidence and extensive CCTV which the Defence spent many months analysing.

 

R V MK – APRIL 2022 – CROYDON CROWN COURT – ATTEMPTED MURDER X2

 

We represented a leading UK drill artist on allegations that he shot another musician and their manager whilst they were at their recording studio in Woolwich Dockyard, whilst on license.

 

The trial lasted five weeks and included a DNA match to our client on a face mask that was allegedly worn by the shooter amongst a number of other ‘key exhibits.’ The defence analysed and criticised the Metropolitan police’s handling of those exhibits. The defence also broke down the continuity of the vehicle that was alleged to have driven away from the scene of the shooting to where it was allegedly decamped from.

 

Our client was acquitted of attempted murder x2 and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

 

R V S and Y 2022-CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT- MURDER

 

Our clients were charged with murder, conspiracy to commit GBH and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

 

In this historic case, our clients were charged with the murder of their own friend, after it was alleged that the defendants engaged in a shoot-out with the opposition in which both sides agreed to shoot and to be shot at. The Crown relied upon the case of R v Gnango 2012, but the defence argued that the circumstances in Gnango did not reflect the facts in this case.

 

There was voluminous cell-site evidence that the prosecution relied on to track the movements of each defendant. The defence spent months considering this evidence, as well as instructing our own expert to offer their opinion on the crown’s findings.

 

The defence left no stone unturned when trying dismantle the prosecution evidence in order to prove our clients’ innocence.

 

 

R V E-A 2022- SOUTHWARK CROWN COURT-POSSESSION OF A FIREARM WITH INTENT

Our client was charged with possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and possession of ammunition without a certificate.

 

Our client was arrested when found near the scene of a firearm exchange. The exchange occurred between three males in a car and one male in a motorbike helmet with red devil horns. Following this exchange, police pursued a male on a motorbike matching the description of the male with a helmet.

 

Our client made it clear to the police upon his arrest that he had just stepped out of his home and did not know anything about the exchange. The police searched his address and found a helmet with red markings. They arrested the client despite the aforementioned police pursuit.

 

The police conducted telephone enquiries to investigate whether our client had contacted those arrested with the firearms in the car. At the same time, the defence started working on an application to release the defendant on bail and dismiss the charges against him.

 

An application to dismiss was lodged on the crown and court. Prior to the oral dismissal application, the crown offered no evidence against our client on all counts.

 

R V S CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT-POSSESSION OF A FIREARM WITH INTENT

Our client was charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of ammunition. Our client was found in public with the firearm and ammunition in his backpack. The Crown stated that this firearm was used in a shooting a few days prior.

 

The Crown relied upon photos and videos of our client posing with the firearm. The client transferred his case to us from another firm. The previous firm had put forth in his defense case statement that he found the gun in a bush, suspected it was real so kept it. We successfully argued an acquittal by putting forth the defence that the client was forced to hold onto the gun through duress. An excellent result.

 

 

2021

 

R v N-SHEFFIELD CROWN COURT-MURDER-POSSESS FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE

Our client was found not guilty of murder, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and criminal damage following a 6-week trial at Sheffield Crown Court.

Following a drive-by shooting in Doncaster in January 2021, a police investigation named Operation Sweep Mike commenced. This was a complex investigation involving CCTV, call data, and cell site evidence, resulting in the arrest of our client.

It was established that our client was travelling in the car with the shooter. However, he denied participation in the crime or intention to participate in the crime. In support of our client’s case, we instructed a telecommunications expert to examine the telephone evidence served upon us.  This was helpful in proving his innocence.

Our client was the only defendant to be found not guilty of all charges by the jury. Four others were found guilty of either murder or manslaughter.

R v L CROYDON CROWN COURT

Our client was charged with Murder, Conspiracy to Rob and Conspiracy to Kidnap. This relates to an incident whereby it was alleged that 4 males armed with a knife attended the Victim’s home address with a settled intention to rob him.

It is the Crown’s case that the defendants had forced their way into the Victim’s flat and took him out onto the street across the road and when he resisted, he was stabbed in the heart. Our client was placed at the scene by CCTV and cell-site analysis. Furthermore, our client’s vehicle was alleged to have been used during the course of the commission of the offence. Following a lengthy 6-week trial at Croydon Crown Court, our client was acquitted of all charges.

 

R V S WOOD GREEN CROWN COURT  

Our client was charged with attempted GBH, Section 18 on a police officer, aggravated vehicle taking and possession of an offensive weapon. Our client is alleged to have driven at an officer in a stolen Mercedes and then rammed into a police van. He was also charged in relation to a separate matter of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. This incident involved our client being pursued by an officer on foot and eventually cornered. The officer alleged that the client produced a firearm which was also caught on body worn footage. The client then allegedly made off from the officer.

 

Our client had a  two week trial at Wood Green Crown Court where at half time he was found not guilty of possession with a firearm with intent, followed by not guilty verdicts on the attempted GBH Section 18,  aggravated vehicle taking and possession of an offensive weapon.

 

R V DDH BIRMINGHAM CROWN COURT

Our client was charged with Murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, in connection with an incident which took place on the 26th August 2020. Around 1230 hours in broad daylight and in a public location, two groups of individuals, each group armed with a firearm, opened fire on each other. 10 shots were fired, two of which struck the victim from point-blank range whilst he was seated in the driver seat of his car.

The victim died from his injuries. Whilst CCTV showed our client was not the shooter, it showed our client run alongside the driver’s door of the vehicle to the front, before looking in the windscreen, pointing, and running back to the driver’s door where the victim was, whilst his co-defendant followed behind with the gun in his outstretched right arm. Our client was seen opening the driver’s door and leaning into the car on at least 3 occasions, punching the victim numerous times, then stepping back as the co-defendant fired inside the car. It was the Crown’s case that our client engaged in a joint enterprise by way of aiding, abetting and supplying the firearm to his younger associate.

On the 22nd  June 2021, our client was convicted of a lesser offence and acquitted of Murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

 

R V T HARROW CROWN COURT

Our client was charged with Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life, Possession of Ammunition with Intent to Endanger Life, Possession of a Firearm and Possession of Ammunition.

Our client was charged after it was alleged that he was in possession of a Nike bag which contained a loaded firearm. His DNA was also found on a separate firearm almost a year later.

Following a 9-day trial at Harrow Crown Court, he was found Not Guilty on all counts.

 

R v E INNER LONDON CROWN COURT

 

Our client was charged with GBH S18 Wounding with intent, robbery, and possession of a bladed article in this matter. The victim was stabbed multiple times after the assailant stole his card and bike.

Our client was charged after he was caught on CCTV using the Monzo card stolen from the victim minutes after the robbery.

 

The defendant gave evidence during his trial, detailing another individual providing him with the stolen card and bike. He never disposed of these items as he did not suspect that they were stolen.

 

Following a four day trial, our client was acquitted of all charges.

 

R V M WOOLWICH CROWN COURT

 

Our client was charged with conspiracy to be knowingly concerned in a fraudulent evasion of a prohibition on prohibited weapons and conspiracy to sell or transfer prohibited weapons. The weapons included submachine and hand guns with ammunition.

 

At the time of this conspiracy he was a serving prisoner. It was the prosecution’s case that he was involved as a link between two of his co-defendants. Phone evidence was disclosed showing messages between said defendants on a mobile telephone found in the defendant’s possession.  That firearms in text messages were discussed with the lead defendant who had pleaded guilty. Notwithstanding this, following a six week trial, our client was acquitted on both counts.

R V M-INNER LONDON CROWN COURT

Our client was charged with possession of a prohibited firearm after the police recovered a Skorpion sub-machine gun and hand gun. We made a submission of no case to answer at the midway point of the trial at Inner London Crown Court where the case was being heard. Our submissions were successful and the charge against our client was  dismissed.

 

R V L J-SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT

This matter related to the murder of a 35 year old man in 2017. Several people were charged with the murder and one of the defendant’s turned Queen’s evidence, admitting responsibility for the killing and providing the Crown with evidence against our client. At that time, our client had not been charged with the murder. The informant stated that the murder was carried out under the instruction of our client. He also gave evidence of other offences which he carried out with our client, which formed other counts on the indictment. Our client pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to supply Class A drugs, heroin, and crack cocaine. He denied his involvement in any other offences. Following a three week trial, our client was acquitted on all counts considered at trial; murder, robbery, possession of a prohibited firearm and s18 GBH.

2020

 

 

2020- R V R v J and others. Encro matter OXFORD CROWN COURT

At Oxford Crown Court we represented a client in relation to an allegation of Conspiracy to Supply Class A Drugs (10 KG of Cocaine). This case was investigated by the National Crime Agency. It was alleged that the Defendant had conspired with others to supply 10 Kilos of cocaine from London to Oxford. This case was part of the first wave of prosecutions in UK involving Encrochat evidence after police forces across Europe had been able to infiltrate the Encrochat phone network which was known to be used by criminal gangs. The crown heavily relied on cell site, ANPR and Encrochat Evidence to imply that the defendant was part of an organised crime group. The Defendant maintained his innocence throughout and was the only defendant to be acquitted after trial.

 

2020- R V S- MURDER- CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

Another fantastic result for SVS Solicitors in yet another high profile case. This matter related to the murder of an 18 year old in Newham, London, who died of multiple stab wounds on 26th August 2019. A 16 and 14 year old were identified for the physical act of committing the murder. Our client was subsequently identified by police as an additional primary party who encouraged and assisted the commission of the murder. In this case, it was suggested that our client instructed the two principals to commit the offence as retribution for a serious stabbing incident he was the victim of six days earlier. The crown alleged that he facilitated the murder by providing the pair with a stolen car used to drive to/from the attack site, paying for their taxi journey to collect the car and then subsequently sheltering one of the principals in the days after the crime. Extensive phone evidence was served detailing the calls, messages and movements of the defendants, which the crown used to support their case. After a lengthy two month trial, our client was acquitted of both murder and manslaughter. Our client  was only defendant that was charged with murder to be acquitted.

 

 

 

2020 – R V J-L AND L-W – ATTEMPTED MURDER LINKED TO A MURDER – MAIDSTONE CROWN COURT

 

The Defendants were charge in relation to a murder which occurred at an event in Maidstone. The incident itself was captured on CCTV and there were numerous witnesses. The main Defendant proceeded to a fully contested trial and was acquitted of the main charges. The second Defendant conceded that he had participated in the violent disorder on a limited basis.

 

2020 – R V O – POSSESSION FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT

 

This case concerned an historic allegation which arose from a shootout outside a London nightclub. 2 rival gangs exchanged gunfire using an array of different firearms. This resulted in 2 of the patrons being shot. Operation Trident commenced a very detailed investigation which took place over several years. There was voluminous CCTV evidence and cell site evidence utilising which the Police had tracked the movements of the Co Defendants. There was also clear footage of the shooting and witness evidence which supported this.

 

2020 – R V W – POSSESSION FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT

 

The Defendant had allegedly discharged a firearm inside a nightclub which had resulted in one of the patrons being shot in the leg. There was extensive CCTV footage of the incident and the case was investigated by Homicide detectives who also produced bad character evidence in support of their case.

 

2020 – R V A – MURDER – READING CROWN COURT

The Defendant was just 15 years of age when this offence took place and a 15 year old boy was stabbed to death in Reading. The two protagonists were schoolfriends that had had a disagreement which culminated in a fatal altercation.

 

2020 – R V D – MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

 

This was a large scale complicated case which resulted in a lengthy trial of several months. The Police investigation was based upon CCTV footage, telephone cell site evidence and call records. There was also a substantial amount of witness evidence which pertained to a dispute between 2 gangs in the West London area. The animosity between the rival gangs foreshadowed a violent battle in the street which caused the death of the victim from stab wounds.

 

2020 – R V H – ATTEMPTED MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

 

The Defendant was accused of a knife related attempted murder at a party whereby the victim had suffered near fatal injuries. This was witnessed by several eye witnesses and the Defendant conceded that he had been present at the scene. After detailed representations had been offered the Crown withdrew the attempted murder charge and the Defendant pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding.

 

2020 – R V B-L AND J – MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

 

We represented a client at the Central Criminal Court who was charged with Murder, manslaughter and possession of firearm with intent to endanger life. It was alleged that our client was involved in an altercation whereby the victim had passed away after suffering a gunshot wound to the head. Ms Anna Hogg, Trainee Solicitor of this firm worked tirelessly on this case while Mr Sasha Sidhu, Managing Director, oversaw proceedings. Our client was represented in Court by Michael Holland QC and Andrew Frymann, both of Furnival Chambers. After a 4 week trial our client was unanimously acquitted after deliberations that lasted less than one day. This was despite there being CCTV evidence which clearly showed the victim being shot in the head and the client admitting to being responsible for the shooting albeit citing an accident as the explanation for what had occurred. The outcome was in keeping with the established practices of the firm and our firearm related specialism.

 

2020 – R V H – ATTEMPTED MURDER – HARROW CROWN COURT

 

This case had resulted from a dispute between neighbours which culminated in a near fatal stabbing. The incident was captured on CCTV and the Defendant conceded that he had stabbed the victim but cited self defence. He was acquitted by a jury.

2019

 

2019 – R V A – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT

This was a case investigated by Operation Trident who had conducted a coordinated arrest of the two Defendants. There was an extensive amount of complex cell site material and also telephone attribution evidence. The first trial was aborted and a retrial ensued as a result.

2019 – R V O – GBH W INTENT AND NOXIOUS SUBSTANCE – WOOD GREEN CROWN COURT

This was a case a high profile acid attack in East London. Following an extensive Police operation the Defendant was arrested and tried. The Defendant accepted presence at the scene of the assault which was allegedly gang related and was filmed by onlookers on mobile phones but was acquitted after trial.

2019 – R V U – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT – WOOLWICH CROWN COURT

The Defendant was charged alongside 4 others in relation to a transaction that had take place in Luton. A firearm was then recovered following surveillance by Operation Trident. A large amount of telephone data coupled with cell site information was analysed in order to prepare the case for trial.

2019 – R V P – VIOLENT DISORDER AND FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE – SOUTHWARK CROWN COURT

The Defendant who is a high profile rapper was prosecuted in respect of a large scale violent disorder that took place in West London and culminated in a shooting. He was charged alongside eight others and The Police Gangs Unit were reliant upon detailed telephone and forensic evidence. At trial following forceful representations the firearms offence was discontinued and the Defendant pleaded guilty to violent disorder on a factually restricted basis.

2019 – R V R – CONSPIRACY TO KIDNAP – HARROW CROWN COURT

The Defendant was charged alongside 6 others in relation the alleged kidnapping and torture of a drug dealer. This was a highly complex case which involved analysis of telecommunications data as well as ANPR information and forensic evidence. Queens Counsel was instructed to represent the Defendant.

2019 – R V B – ATTEMPTED MURDER – BRISTOL CROWN COURT

The Defendant was charged with attempted murder in respect of an alleged dispute that had arisen as a consequence of a “county lines” drug dealing network. Detailed representations resulted in the attempted murder charge being withdrawn and trial proceedings coming to an end.

2019 – R V E – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – The Defendant was alleged to be an active gang member and was forensically linked to a firearm that had been recovered by Operation Trident. Telephone analysis also placed the Defendant in the environs where the firearm was recovered. Following the lodgement of a dismissal argument the Crown withdrew their case.

2019 – R V I – MANSLAUGHTER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT –

This was a complex case which concerned a total of 7 Defendants. The Defendant was acquitted after a lengthy contested trial. The case attracted considerable media attention due to the killing being alleged to have occurred during an attempted exorcism.

2019 – R V L – PERVERTING THE COURSE OF JUSTICE IN A MURDER CASE – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

This case pertained to the high profile murder of a bouncer in Mayfair at a New Year’s Party. The defendant was acquitted after a trial lasting 6 weeks.

2019 – R H-M – ATTEMPTED MURDER- CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The Defendant was alleged to be a member of a gang from South London and was accused of being a party to a shooting which took place in Brixton. There were 4 co accused and a lengthy trial ensued during the course of which detailed cell site and ballistics evidence was deployed. The defendant was found not guilty after lengthy jury deliberations.

2019 – R V I – MANSLAUGHTER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

An altercation took place in Tottenham during the course of which the victim was stabbed to death. The Defendant was acquitted of manslaughter after a lengthy trial.

2019 – R V B – MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The Defendant was prosecuted following the death of a man at a party in Central London. The victim had collapsed in a Central London hotel and died as a consequence of blood loss. An exceptionally detailed investigation comprising telephone analysis, forensic testing and social media examination ensued and the Defendant was charged alongside 4 others with murder.

2019 – R V O – ATTEMPTED MURDER – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT

This case centred upon a stabbing which took place in East London that was alleged to be gang related and was captured on CCTV. The Defendant was one of 3 who were accused of this offence.

2019 – R V V – ATTEMPTED MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The Defendant was alleged to have shot another man on a crowded train and the incident was captured on CCTV. British Transport Police collated complex telephone evidence and witness statements from commuters in order to bolster their case. Various complex legal arguments were presented and the Defendant was acquitted of the main charge of attempted murder.

2019 –  R V B – ATTEMPTED MURDER – HARROW CROWN COURT

The Defendant was prosecuted in connection with the near fatal stabbing of an alleged rival gang member in West London. The prosecution was founded upon identification of the Defendant by a police officer and CCTV footage which captured the incident. The Crown offered no evidence after detailed submissions were made in relation to the identification evidence.

2018

2018 – R V B/ W-M – CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY AMMUNITION AND FIREARMS – CROYDON CROWN COURT

This case resulted from an Operation Trident investigation into the supply of firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Detailed surveillance evidence and telephone cell site analysis was central to this case which culminated in an 8 week trial. Complex legal argument lead to an application for dismissal of the principal firearms charge which was dismissed by the trial judge.

2018 – R V G-S/F – CONSPIRACY TO POSSESS FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT

The main Defendant was incarcerated at the time of the offences which were said to have been involved the hiring of a gunman who subsequently discharged a firearm at the victim’s house. Operation Trident undertook a detailed analysis of the several mobile phones and electronic devices in order to build a formidable case which was successfully defended at trial.

2018 – R V T – CONSPIRACY TO POSSESS FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT

The Defendants in this case were the subject of a lengthy Trident investigation into alleged gang related gun crime. 2 firearms and ammunition were recovered as a consequence of a surveillance operation. Alleged gang affiliation and social media downloads were pivotal issues and were carefully scrutinised.

2018 – R V F – MURDER – ST ALBANS CROWN COURT

The client was one of 5 youths charged with the murder of another youth. It was alleged that the attack was gang-related.

The disclosure in this case centred on mobile telephone evidence and relied on call traffic between our client and the victim, our client and the co-defendants, and call traffic between all defendants. In addition, there was extensive cell-site evidence which showed the movements of the client before, during and after the attack.

A careful comparison of the mobile telephone download call logs and raw billing data was undertaken by the defence. The trial in the matter lasted 7 weeks.

2018 – R V D – ATTEMPTED MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The Crown’s case was that the complainant had called the ambulance service stating her throat had been cut and was bleeding. The defendant was attended upon and instructions taken in custody, including the history of their relationship.

This case involved the preparation of a bad character application for the complainant following a careful consideration of unused material. This included police CRIS report and CAD messages detailing previous reports to the police of the complainant assaulting the client . This included use of a kettle and a knife.

Following a 6 day trial this client was acquitted.

2018 – R V T/G – MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

SVS represented both Defendants in this case who were charged with murder. They were accused of shooting dead an unfortunate bystander during the course of a gangland feud. Murder squad detectives had investigated an incident whereby the main Defendant was shot at and stabbed in the head and then allegedly sought to retaliate by firing shots at members of the rival gang on a housing estate in West London. CCTV and cell site evidence was utilised in the preparation of this case and after a 6 week trial both Defendants were acquitted.

2018 – R V K – CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY CLASS A – AYLESBURY CROWN COURT

The Defendant was charged as part of a large scale surveillance operation that culminated in a lengthy and complex trial in relation to an allegation of conspiracy to supply class A drugs. This case attracted considerable media attention. After a 2 month long trial the Defendant was acquitted of the charges.

2018 – R V A – MURDER – LEWES CROWN COURT

It was alleged that the Defendant was a class A drug dealer and that he had stabbed and killed a drug addict in St Leonards on Sea. He was arrested near to the scene of the crime and was summarily charged. Following careful case preparation representations were made to the Crown and the murder charge was discontinued and an alternative charge of manslaughter was preferred.

2018 – R V S – CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY FIREARMS – KINGSTON CROWN COURT

The Defendant was charged as part of a multi handed conspiracy to import and then transfer firearms. The case involved a complex surveillance operation by British and German Police as the firearms were being imported from Germany by a Bulgarian gang. Telephone intercepts were also utilised. Alleged UK based members of organised crime groups were also arrested.

2018 – R V C-D – MURDER – BASILDON CROWN COURT

A drug addict in South Ockenden was hacked to death with a machete and it was alleged that the Defendant had set him up. There had been a long standing feud between the victim and the drug dealer who was alleged to have killed him. The Crown sought to prove their case by the use of eye witnesses to the murder and extensive telephone evidence and cell siting. After a fully contested trial the Defendant was acquitted.

2018 – R V H – CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY CLASS A DRUGS – PORTSMOUTH CROWN COURT

The Defendant was charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs in the Portsmouth area. There were 8 Defendants charged in total in this high level “county lines” case. There was a considerable amount of telephone evidence and evidence from undercover officers. The Defendant was the only one not to be convicted in this case.

2017
2017 – R V E A-S– MURDER- CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

This was a case that was underpinned by gang related violence. The Defendant was charged alongside one other and was accused of the murder of a gang member from East London. It was alleged that he had stabbed the victim in an unprovoked attack. The case was heavily reliant upon CCTV and telephone evidence.

2017 – R V S – MURDER – BIRMINGHAM CROWN COURT

The Defendant who was from South London was accused of the murder of an alleged London based gang member at a party in Leicester. The case was investigated by the Midlands Major Crime Team and led to their enquiring into other knife related crime in this area. 2 other alleged gang members from South London were also charged in connection with these offences.

2017 – R V L – MURDER – LEWES CROWN COURT

The Defendant was charged alongside three others in relation to the murder of a man in Crawley. The motivation for this offence was alleged to have been drawn from illicit drug dealing in the Sussex area. The Defendant conceded that he had struck the fatal blow using a kitchen knife but advanced self-defence as an explanation for this. After a fully contested trial he was acquitted of murder.

2017 – R V M – MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The Defendant was a youth that was accused of stabbing the victim to death in Harrow. The alleged motivation was gang related and driven by a desire for revenge. This case involved a number of sensitive issues due to the Defendants being youths. After a full trial the Defendant was the only one to be acquitted. Both of his Co Defendants were convicted of murder.

2017 – R V H – ATTEMPTED MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

This case concerned an armed robbery in East London. The alleged victim was shot at close range by the perpetrators. Operation Trident investigated the case and utilised telephone attribution/cell site evidence and CCTV. This case attracted considerable media attention.

2017 – R V B – ATTEMPTED MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

This Defendant was accused of the attempted murder of a police officer who was conducting surveillance in the East End of London. This case was heavily publicised and was investigated by Homicide and Major Crime Command. The investigation that was undertaken was complex and reliant upon CCTV as well as cell site evidence.

The Defendant was acquitted of attempted murder after trial.

2017 – R V K –POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT – WOOLWICH CROWN COURT

The Defendant was arrested by Operation Trident following a shooting in South East London. He was alleged to be in the company of a single accomplice in the course of attempting to fire shots at members of the travelling community. The case involved telephone and forensic evidence.

2017 – R V S– CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT ROBBERY AND HAVING FIREARM WITH INTENT – MAIDSTONE CROWN COURT

This was a large scale armed robbery case which resulted in a trial involving multiple Defendants that lasted for 3 months. It was alleged that a travellers’ site in Kent had been the subject of a robbery by a gang of men armed with firearms. A complex and detailed investigation ensued.

2017 –R V E AND K – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT

The Defendants were arrested by Operation Trident as part of an intelligence led surveillance operation. It was alleged that the first Defendant had travelled to Stockwell and fired shots at a rival gang member in order to exact revenge for being assaulted by him. The firearm was recovered on the person of the second Defendant who conceded that he was in possession of it but denied any intention to use it. Operation Trident analysed the Defendant’s phones and produced downloads in furtherance of their case. Both Defendant’s were acquitted of the main charge of possession of firearms with intent after trial.

2017 – R V T AND N-B – CONSPIRACY TO TRANSFER FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT

The Defendants represented by SVS were charged following a raid on a flat in East London by armed Police and Operation Trident. 11 Handguns, an assault rifle, ammunition for each of the weapons and 11 silencers were seized.

CCTV evidence was recovered which established that both Defendants were at the scene and telephone analysis linked them to the alleged conspiracy but they were both acquitted after a lengthy trial during the course of which neither Defendant gave evidence.

2016
2016 – R V M – MURDER – CROYDON CROWN COURT

This is a case which relates to the heavily publicised murder of a man whose body has never been recovered which took place in Sussex.

Sussex Police undertook a lengthy investigation involving telephone and forensic analysis which necessitated the use of expert evidence.

2016 – R V A – MURDER – BRISTOL CROWN COURT

The Defendant was charged with the murder of a drug user and was also implicated in the large supply of class A drugs.

Medical evidence was pivotal throughout this case and a leading expert was instructed on behalf of the Defence who managed to undermine the Crown’s case. After a submission of no case to answer was made at trial the charges of murder and manslaughter were both dismissed.

2016 – R V M-G – ATTEMPTED MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The Defendant was accused of carrying out a “drive by” shooting in West London. He transferred to SVS after admitting in his police interview that he had been responsible for the shooting but avoided conviction for attempted murder.

2016 – R V H – ATTEMPTED MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The Defendant was charged with attempted murder as it was alleged he had shot a police officer after Operation Trident had executed a raid on his home address. This case attracted national media coverage and a fully contested trial at the Central Criminal Court ensued. The Defendant had been detained by officers in possession of a firearm and was identified by a number of them as being responsible for the shooting but was acquitted by a jury after trial.

2016 – R V K – ATTEMPTED MURDER – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT

The Defendant was charged in connection with a gang related stabbing that took place in South London. Detailed analysis of telephone and CCTV evidence was utilised by the investigating police force.
Our client was identified by a former school teacher whose evidence was supported by CCTV. He was also arrested and charged with separate firearms offences during the course of his trial but was acquitted by a jury in his absence.

2016 – R V D – CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT MONEY LAUNDERING – BLACKFRIARS CROWN COURT

The Defendant was alleged to be part of an organised crime network and was arrested following a surveillance operation. She was the only one of the four Defendants to be acquitted.

2016 – R V B – CONSPIRACY TO PERVERT THE COURSE OF JUSTICE AND MONEY LAUNDERING

This case arose from a complex investigation into money laundering and involved a great deal of telephone and cell site analysis by a regional Major Crime Team. There were eleven Defendants in total. After detailed representations were made to the Prosecution the Defendant pleaded to a lesser substantive count and the main allegations were discontinued.

2016 – R V M – CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY CLASS A – WOOLWICH CROWN COURT

The Metropolitan Police Special Intelligence Service had charged six men after the seizure of 200 kilograms of high purity cocaine valued at £70m. The Defendant was arrested at Tilbury Docks after the cocaine was found concealed in the rear of a vehicle being used by the Defendants.

A protracted investigation resulted in a trial after which the Defendant was acquitted.

2016 – R V P – CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT ROBBERY – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The Defendant is one of six Defendants charged by the Flying Squad in relation to a complex conspiracy to commit armed robberies. This follows an investigation that lasted for two years. In total it was alleged that ten armed robberies had taken place in the South London area.

After a lengthy trial our client was acquitted of the main charges.

2016 – R V B – CONSPIRACY TO TRANSFER FIREARMS – HARROW CROWN COURT

This case concerned the large scale manufacture of lethal firearms, and their subsequent onward sale. It was alleged that the conspirators would organise the purchase of de-activated firearms from antique or military shops and would then “re-activate” the firearms, and in so doing manufacture a fully functioning and lethal firearm.

There were eleven Defendants in total and the case was investigated by Operation Trident and it was alleged that they were connected to 30-40 firearms.

2016 – R V C – CONSPIRACY TO TRANSFER FIREARMS – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The Defendant was one of four charged with plotting to transfer a loaded firearm onwards for use in a criminal enterprise. This case involved the use of cell site analysis and an undercover surveillance operation by Trident officers.

After 2 trials our client was the only defendant out of 4 that was acquitted.

2016 – R V R – CONSPIRACY TO TRANSFER FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION – WOOLWICH CROWN COURT

The Defendant was arrested in the course of an undercover Police “Sting” which involved the use of phone recordings and surveillance. It was alleged that the weapons were to be obtained for the purpose of being used in gang related activity.

2016 – R V A – CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT KIDNAP, FALSE IMPRISONMENT AND BLACKMAIL

This is a multi-handed kidnap case that is said to have taken place in the South London area. It was investigated by the Human Trafficking Unit and was based upon the evidence of the complainant combined with CCTV and cell site analysis.

Our client was acquitted after a fully contested trial.

2015

2015 – R V S – MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The defendant along with one other was charged with stabbing the victim to death in West London. After representations were made the charge was reduced to one of perverting the course of justice.

2015 – R V O – ATTEMPTED MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

A shooting took place in South London and the Defendant was charged with attempted murder. The case centred upon CCTV evidence and an identification by an eye witness and was supported by telephone analysis.

Our client was acquitted of attempted murder after trial.

2015 – R V O – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE – WOOD GREEN CROWN COURT

Expert evidence was secured in this case by the defence which led to the case being dismissed because the prosecution’s forensic evidence was undermined.

2015 – R V L –HUMAN TRAFFICKING – MANCHESTER CROWN COURT

This was a multi handed case which concerned a complicated scheme whereby the alleged victims were being trafficked into the UK from Eastern Europe.

2015 – R V A-A AND A – KIDNAPPING, FALSE IMPRISONMENT AND BLACKMAIL – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

This was a multi handed case which related to a kidnapping in East London involving the alleged use of a firearm.

Following a lengthy investigation by the Specialist Crime Directorate there were two lengthy trials after which both Defendants who were represented by SVS were acquitted of all charges.

2015 – R V K – CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT MONEY LAUNDERING – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

This was a multi handed trial which related to a conspiracy to launder large sums of money. Exceptionally detailed telephone and financial analysis was undertaken and then examined by our defence team.

2015 – R V B – CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT ROBBERY – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The MET’s Flying Squad had arrested and charged a number of defendants in relation to a series of armed robberies that had taken place in the South London area. Our client was acquitted of the main conspiracy to commit robbery with the use of a firearm after a fully contested trial.

2015 – R V P AND U – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT AND CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY – SOUTHAMPTON CROWN COURT

Both Defendants were charged in relation to an extensive drugs supply conspiracy and also a related offence of possession of a firearm with intent. A large volume of evidence focussing on cell site analysis and ANPR readers was brought to bear.

The Defendants were acquitted of the firearms offence after trial.

2015 – APPEAL OF I A– COURT OF APPEAL

The Appellant had been convicted of robbery and received a substantial term of imprisonment. After instructing SVS and lodging an appeal against his conviction the Court of Appeal rule that his conviction was unsafe and he was acquitted following a retrial.

2015- R V B/ AND L – VIOLENT DISORDER – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT

This case related an instance of alleged gang related violence in East London. A large volume of telephone and cell site analysis was produced by the Prosecution.

After the jury had failed to reach a verdict the violent disorder charge was discontinued and a lesser charge was substituted.

2014
2014 – R V L – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT– MURDER

Lengthy and complex case involving complex forensic and evidential issues.

2014 – R v I – READING CROWN COURT – ATTEMPTED MURDER

There were complex psychiatric issues involved in this case and largely thanks to the intervention of medical experts recruited by SVS the Prosecution offered no evidence in respect of the attempted murder charge.

2014 – R v T – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – ATTEMPTED MURDER, POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE AND POSSESSION OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION

This was a multi handed case that centred on a shooting. There had been a large scale investigation into an East London gang who were believed to be responsible for a spate of shootings which culminated in this lengthy trial.

2014 – R V A – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT

The Defendant in this case was acquitted after a full trial having successfully established a defence of duress.

2014 – R V S – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – ATTEMPTED MURDER

A stabbing occurred in Brixton and the majority of the incident was captured on CCTV. A lesser charge was brought following successful representations.

2014 – R V D – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT – ATTEMPTED MURDER

A stabbing took place in a restaurant in East London. The entire incident was captured on CCTV and the Defendant was apprehended close to the scene of the offence.

2014 – R V F – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE

The Defendant was charged with possession of a firearm following the seizure of a shotgun and a forensic link being established.

2014 – R V O – WOOD GREEN CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE

The Defendant was charged with possession of a handgun due to being forensically linked to the firearm.

2014 – R V M – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY CLASS A

This case was the result of a complex investigation involving the importation and subsequent supply at street level of controlled substances valued at several million pounds.

2014 – R V R – BLACKFRIARS CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT MONEY LAUNDERING

A detailed investigation resulted in multiple defendants being charged as part of a conspiracy. Although significant evidence was brought to bear the case was successfully defended.

2014 – R V T – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM AND VIOLENT DISORDER

Operation Trident conducted an investigation into a shooting in the Newham area and the Defendant was charged having been identified by 2 eye witnesses. Detailed telephone and cell site analysis was deployed against the Defendant who was acquitted of the firearms offence as it was established that he had in fact been involved in a relatively minor public disturbance.

2013
2013 – R V O – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT – MURDER

Multi handed murder trial concerning a fatal stabbing at a nightclub. The Crown’s case was founded upon CCTV evidence which captured the entire incident leading to the murder. The Defendant was acquitted after trial despite his Co Defendants being convicted of murder.

2013 – R V L – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT – MURDER

This was a four handed trial which arose due to a contract killing in Hackney. This was a shooting with a Mac 10 machine pistol that was said to have been carried out by gang members from Tottenham at the behest of the Turkish mafia. This fatal shooting was alleged to have been the twenty ninth shooting that had taken place during the course of a feud between rival Turkish gangs vying for control of the illegal drug trade.

2013 – R V M – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT – ATTEMPTED MURDER

This case concerned a stabbing in a nightclub during the course of which the victim sustained life threatening injuries.

2013 – R V S – INNER CITY LONDON CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY DRUGS

This was a complex and multi handed conspiracy to supply drugs.
Voluminous cell site evidence and raw call data had to be carefully analysed in preparation for this complex trial.

2013 – R V O at WOOD GREEN CROWN COURT – AGGRAVATED BURGLARY AND POSSESSION OF FIREARM

This case was dismissed prior to trial despite our client having been identified by 2 witnesses.

2013 – R V C & C – WOOD GREEN CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM & ROBBERY

This case related to an armed robbery and both of our clients were identified by the victim and the Police had also recovered property belonging to the victim from our clients. As a result of representations the case was discontinued prior to trial.

2012
2012 – R V D – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT – MURDER

9 Handed gang related murder. This was said to be a planned execution of a rival gang member.

2012 – R V S – CROYDON CROWN COURT- CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT FRAUD

Large scale conspiracy concerning tens of thousands of pounds of credit card fraud.

2012 – R V C – WOOD GREEN CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM

Our client benefited from a successful dismissal application prior to trial.

2012 – R V D – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT –POSSESSION OF FIREARM

Our client was acquitted notwithstanding the fact that he had signed police officer’s notes to the effect that both the firearm and a CS gas canister belonged to him. At trial he admitted signing 2 notebooks and the property search record to the effect that both were his.

After a 5 day trial during which 3 DC’s and a DI were accused of lying and fabricating evidence it took the jury an hour to unanimously acquit.

2012 – R V A – WORCESTER CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY CLASS A

5 Handed conspiracy in which no evidence was offered against our client following extensive representations.

2012 – R V M – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE

Representing client allegedly found to be in possession of a loaded firearm and mobile phone that had been used in furtherance of a conspiracy to supply drugs.

2012 – R V D – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY CLASS A

Multi handed conspiracy to supply class A drugs in the London and Oxfordshire areas. Vast amount of phone evidence and extensive surveillance.

2012 – R V W – CROYDON CROWN COURT – BLACKMAIL, FALSE IMPRISONMENT AND HAVING FIREARM W/INTENT

Our client was acquitted after trial with all prosecution witnesses attending and giving evidence against him.

2012 – R V D – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE

Multi handed conspiracy to transport a firearm from Bedfordshire to South London for alleged use in gang related acitivities.

2012 – R V P – LUTON CROWN COURT – HAVING FIREARM W/INTENT AND ROBBERY

Representing Defendant charged with having committed an armed robbery in Luton.

2012 – R V S – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT – PERVERTING THE COURSE OF JUSTICE IN A MURDER CASE

Alleged that our client assisted in destroying a car that had been used in a drive by shooting.

2012 – R V A – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO IMPORT CLASS A

Complex and multi handed case relating to the importation of class A drugs into the jurisdiction.

2011
2011 – R V I – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT – MURDER

Multi-handed murder which was alleged to be gang related.

2011 – R V Y – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT – MURDER

9 Handed murder case which lasted for 4 months and resulted in an acquittal after trial.

2011 – R V T – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT – ATTEMPTED MURDER

This case concerned the attempted execution of a police informant who was shot 7 times at close range. Our client was exonerated despite having been identified and being forensically linked to the firearm used in the shooting and also the phone that had been used by the gunman.

2011 – R V R – BLACKFRIARS CRIMINAL COURT – CONSPIRACY TO STEAL

Large scale conspiracy to steal mainly centred upon the railway network. Our client was alleged to be the main ringleader and the case against him was successfully dismissed prior to trial.

2011 – R V S – READING CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO MURDER

This was a 5 handed trial which centred on a conspiracy to murder that was alleged to be retribution for an earlier attack on one of the Co Defendants. Our client was also charged with offences relating to possession of a firearm and conspiracy to inflict grievous bodily harm. Following protracted representations the conspiracy to murder charge was withdrawn.

2011 – R V S – CHELMSFORD CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO IMPORT CLASS A

Multi handed and complex conspiracy to import drugs to the value of 4.5 million pounds.

2011 – R V W – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT – CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT ROBBERY

Defendant acquitted after full trial despite accepting that he had driven the perpetrators of the robbery away from the scene.

2010
2010 – R V B – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE

Alleged South London gang member who was arrested in possession of a loaded handgun following a Police surveillance operation.

2010 – R V B – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE

Our client who was portrayed as being an active member of a South London gang was alleged to have been in possession of a loaded firearm.

2010 – R V F – KINGSTON CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY CLASS A

Complex conspiracy involving extensive use of surveillance evidence and forensic analysis.

2010 – R V G – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO POSSESS FIREARMS WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE

Large scale multi handed conspiracy relating to a firearms factory that had been set up in East London. Our client who had maintained that he had never visited the premises in question, was acquitted after a month long trial despite there being CCTV and DNA evidence linking him to the premises.

2009
2009 – R V S – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT – ATTEMPTED MURDER

Multi Handed case relating to the kidnapping and attempted murder of a rival gang member.

2009 – R V A – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT – ATTEMPTED MURDER

Our client was the subject of an Operation Trident investigation as a firearm had been deployed. This was a multi handed case and required careful analysis of complex evidence.
2009 – R V B – ST ALBANS CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT ROBBERY

This was a multi handed conspiracy that related to robberies of numerous commercial businesses. There was a vast amount of material that had been collated and was subjected to close scrutiny.

2009 – R V C – KINGSTON CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT ROBBERY

Large scale multi handed conspiracy that was the result of a lengthy Flying Squad surveillance operation. This case required the analysis of a huge volume of phone data and cell site analysis.

2009 – R V H – ISLEWORTH CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT BLACKMAIL

Multi handed conspiracy to commit blackmail which involved the alleged use of a firearm. Our client’s case was successfully dismissed prior to trial.

2009 – R V P – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE

This case related to a pre-planned Operation Trident which engaged surveillance on a vehicle carrying 3 suspected South London gang members. The vehicle was stopped and several Mac 10 machine pistols were recovered. Our client was acquitted after a full trial.

2008
2008 – R V S – LUTON CROWN COURT -ATTEMPTED MURDER

This case centred upon a stabbing and a conviction was successfully averted as a result of a plea bargain.

2022

2022 R v P – MURDER/MANSLAUGHTER Central Criminal Court

 

We were contacted by our client  following his conviction aged 14 yrs old for murder, to advise regarding an appeal. In 2016 three persons were stabbed , one fatally, in Harrow. The Crown alleged a revenge gang attack in retaliation for other serious assaults. One evening P was present in a cab , together with others, who were armed with at least one zombie knife and latex gloves. The purpose of the cab journey was to hunt rival gang members in South Harrow and Harrow on whom to exact revenge. It was immediately clear to us that P required a mental health assessment. He was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder. We appealed the sentence and the Lord Chief Justice reduced his sentence. Having initially been unsuccessful in the Court of Appeal we were then successful in an application to the Criminal Cases Review Commission, who referred the conviction back to the Court of Appeal on the basis of fresh evidence. The court was persuaded that P had not had a fair trial, the new diagnosis itself may not have been sufficient , however P was a secondary party and another defendant in the earlier trial who was acquitted (also our client) had the protections in place of an intermediary as a vulnerable defendant, so there was a disparity. The Lord Chief Justice quashed the convictions. The prosecution sought a re-trial. P maintained his not guilty plea and following a trial was unanimously acquitted of murder and manslaughter by a jury at the Central Criminal Court in under 40 minutes.

 

2022-R v SA-MURDER/PERVERTING THE COURSE OF JUSTICE

 

There was a triple shooting in North London, one fatality. A planned attack by one gang travelling into another territory, in a stolen car with cloned plates to carry out the attacks.  The allegation made against our client  was that he assisted in the burning out and destruction of the murder car following the shooting. Although originally arrested , with several others for murder, he at aged 14yrs , was charged with perverting the course on justice. He was captured on CCTV buying petrol, immediately following the killing and shootings. The murder car was seen on CCTV to be abandoned and later found burnt out, destroying the forensics. We were successful at the first appearance in securing bail and managed to successfully persuade the court to retain jurisdiction in the youth court where the Crown argued that it was properly joined to the murder indictment and that the case should be sent to the Central Criminal court. We had trawled though the Unused material and discovered unused CCTV footage from a local resident’s home of the murder car remaining undamaged for hours, therefore the nexus between the buying of the petrol and the burning of the car was broken.  We drafted a skeleton argument and lodged an application to dismiss the charge. On the day of the dismissal hearing,  the Crown offered no evidence. We conducted all litigation and advocacy in house in this case.

 

2022-R V B-CONSPIRACY TO MURDER-CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

 

The victim was riding a pedal cycle when he was  repeatedly stabbed by occupants of 2 cars who decamped armed with variety of machetes and other weapons. Both cars were later recovered, weapons were found, some with visible blood staining, later shown to be the victim’s. The attack was witnessed by local residents. The victim died at the scene but was revived by HEMS who performed open heart surgery in the street. The alleged motive was a gang turf war. Our client was said to be a member of the attacking gang, although resident elsewhere ,he had been cell sited in the area on days before the attack and at the time of the alleged offence. In addition his DNA was found in both of the cars used in the attack. We instructed DNA experts and argued transference. Our solicitor noticed an issue with the Crown’s expert cell site report. It omitted 2 vital calls made by our client at the material time. It undermined the contention that he was present in either of the attack vehicles. We advised a dismissal point and submitted an application to dismiss. The Crown offered no evidence following a review of the submissions we made.

 

 

R V CL – READING CROWN COURT-MURDER

 

Our client was charged with murder, perverting the course of justice and Possession with intent to supply. This relates to an organised attack whereby our client was alleged to have been armed with a knife, vehicle and a team of individuals to assist in the planning of a murder and clear up, thereby ensuring tracking them down afterwards would be difficult.

 

The central part of the murder was captured on CCTV and the victim can be seen socialising with two friends prior to the attack. Two males, one of which was alleged to be our client, arrive outside the scene in a vehicle, get out and launched an attack towards the group whereby the victim was caught and fatally stabbed.

 

The Prosecution relied heavily on cell site/phone evidence and extensive CCTV which the Defence spent many months analysing.

 

R V MK – APRIL 2022 – CROYDON CROWN COURT – ATTEMPTED MURDER X2

 

We represented a leading UK drill artist on allegations that he shot another musician and their manager whilst they were at their recording studio in Woolwich Dockyard, whilst on license.

 

The trial lasted five weeks and included a DNA match to our client on a face mask that was allegedly worn by the shooter amongst a number of other ‘key exhibits.’ The defence analysed and criticised the Metropolitan police’s handling of those exhibits. The defence also broke down the continuity of the vehicle that was alleged to have driven away from the scene of the shooting to where it was allegedly decamped from.

 

Our client was acquitted of attempted murder x2 and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

 

R V S and Y 2022-CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT- MURDER

 

Our clients were charged with murder, conspiracy to commit GBH and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

 

In this historic case, our clients were charged with the murder of their own friend, after it was alleged that the defendants engaged in a shoot-out with the opposition in which both sides agreed to shoot and to be shot at. The Crown relied upon the case of R v Gnango 2012, but the defence argued that the circumstances in Gnango did not reflect the facts in this case.

 

There was voluminous cell-site evidence that the prosecution relied on to track the movements of each defendant. The defence spent months considering this evidence, as well as instructing our own expert to offer their opinion on the crown’s findings.

 

The defence left no stone unturned when trying dismantle the prosecution evidence in order to prove our clients’ innocence.

 

 

R V E-A 2022- SOUTHWARK CROWN COURT-POSSESSION OF A FIREARM WITH INTENT

Our client was charged with possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and possession of ammunition without a certificate.

 

Our client was arrested when found near the scene of a firearm exchange. The exchange occurred between three males in a car and one male in a motorbike helmet with red devil horns. Following this exchange, police pursued a male on a motorbike matching the description of the male with a helmet.

 

Our client made it clear to the police upon his arrest that he had just stepped out of his home and did not know anything about the exchange. The police searched his address and found a helmet with red markings. They arrested the client despite the aforementioned police pursuit.

 

The police conducted telephone enquiries to investigate whether our client had contacted those arrested with the firearms in the car. At the same time, the defence started working on an application to release the defendant on bail and dismiss the charges against him.

 

An application to dismiss was lodged on the crown and court. Prior to the oral dismissal application, the crown offered no evidence against our client on all counts.

 

R V S CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT-POSSESSION OF A FIREARM WITH INTENT

Our client was charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of ammunition. Our client was found in public with the firearm and ammunition in his backpack. The Crown stated that this firearm was used in a shooting a few days prior.

 

The Crown relied upon photos and videos of our client posing with the firearm. The client transferred his case to us from another firm. The previous firm had put forth in his defense case statement that he found the gun in a bush, suspected it was real so kept it. We successfully argued an acquittal by putting forth the defence that the client was forced to hold onto the gun through duress. An excellent result.

 

 

2021

 

R v N-SHEFFIELD CROWN COURT-MURDER-POSSESS FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE

Our client was found not guilty of murder, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and criminal damage following a 6-week trial at Sheffield Crown Court.

Following a drive-by shooting in Doncaster in January 2021, a police investigation named Operation Sweep Mike commenced. This was a complex investigation involving CCTV, call data, and cell site evidence, resulting in the arrest of our client.

It was established that our client was travelling in the car with the shooter. However, he denied participation in the crime or intention to participate in the crime. In support of our client’s case, we instructed a telecommunications expert to examine the telephone evidence served upon us.  This was helpful in proving his innocence.

Our client was the only defendant to be found not guilty of all charges by the jury. Four others were found guilty of either murder or manslaughter.

R v L CROYDON CROWN COURT

Our client was charged with Murder, Conspiracy to Rob and Conspiracy to Kidnap. This relates to an incident whereby it was alleged that 4 males armed with a knife attended the Victim’s home address with a settled intention to rob him.

It is the Crown’s case that the defendants had forced their way into the Victim’s flat and took him out onto the street across the road and when he resisted, he was stabbed in the heart. Our client was placed at the scene by CCTV and cell-site analysis. Furthermore, our client’s vehicle was alleged to have been used during the course of the commission of the offence. Following a lengthy 6-week trial at Croydon Crown Court, our client was acquitted of all charges.

 

R V S WOOD GREEN CROWN COURT  

Our client was charged with attempted GBH, Section 18 on a police officer, aggravated vehicle taking and possession of an offensive weapon. Our client is alleged to have driven at an officer in a stolen Mercedes and then rammed into a police van. He was also charged in relation to a separate matter of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. This incident involved our client being pursued by an officer on foot and eventually cornered. The officer alleged that the client produced a firearm which was also caught on body worn footage. The client then allegedly made off from the officer.

 

Our client had a  two week trial at Wood Green Crown Court where at half time he was found not guilty of possession with a firearm with intent, followed by not guilty verdicts on the attempted GBH Section 18,  aggravated vehicle taking and possession of an offensive weapon.

 

R V DDH BIRMINGHAM CROWN COURT

Our client was charged with Murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, in connection with an incident which took place on the 26th August 2020. Around 1230 hours in broad daylight and in a public location, two groups of individuals, each group armed with a firearm, opened fire on each other. 10 shots were fired, two of which struck the victim from point-blank range whilst he was seated in the driver seat of his car.

The victim died from his injuries. Whilst CCTV showed our client was not the shooter, it showed our client run alongside the driver’s door of the vehicle to the front, before looking in the windscreen, pointing, and running back to the driver’s door where the victim was, whilst his co-defendant followed behind with the gun in his outstretched right arm. Our client was seen opening the driver’s door and leaning into the car on at least 3 occasions, punching the victim numerous times, then stepping back as the co-defendant fired inside the car. It was the Crown’s case that our client engaged in a joint enterprise by way of aiding, abetting and supplying the firearm to his younger associate.

On the 22nd  June 2021, our client was convicted of a lesser offence and acquitted of Murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

 

R V T HARROW CROWN COURT

Our client was charged with Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life, Possession of Ammunition with Intent to Endanger Life, Possession of a Firearm and Possession of Ammunition.

Our client was charged after it was alleged that he was in possession of a Nike bag which contained a loaded firearm. His DNA was also found on a separate firearm almost a year later.

Following a 9-day trial at Harrow Crown Court, he was found Not Guilty on all counts.

 

R v E INNER LONDON CROWN COURT

 

Our client was charged with GBH S18 Wounding with intent, robbery, and possession of a bladed article in this matter. The victim was stabbed multiple times after the assailant stole his card and bike.

Our client was charged after he was caught on CCTV using the Monzo card stolen from the victim minutes after the robbery.

 

The defendant gave evidence during his trial, detailing another individual providing him with the stolen card and bike. He never disposed of these items as he did not suspect that they were stolen.

 

Following a four day trial, our client was acquitted of all charges.

 

R V M WOOLWICH CROWN COURT

 

Our client was charged with conspiracy to be knowingly concerned in a fraudulent evasion of a prohibition on prohibited weapons and conspiracy to sell or transfer prohibited weapons. The weapons included submachine and hand guns with ammunition.

 

At the time of this conspiracy he was a serving prisoner. It was the prosecution’s case that he was involved as a link between two of his co-defendants. Phone evidence was disclosed showing messages between said defendants on a mobile telephone found in the defendant’s possession.  That firearms in text messages were discussed with the lead defendant who had pleaded guilty. Notwithstanding this, following a six week trial, our client was acquitted on both counts.

R V M-INNER LONDON CROWN COURT

Our client was charged with possession of a prohibited firearm after the police recovered a Skorpion sub-machine gun and hand gun. We made a submission of no case to answer at the midway point of the trial at Inner London Crown Court where the case was being heard. Our submissions were successful and the charge against our client was  dismissed.

 

R V L J-SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT

This matter related to the murder of a 35 year old man in 2017. Several people were charged with the murder and one of the defendant’s turned Queen’s evidence, admitting responsibility for the killing and providing the Crown with evidence against our client. At that time, our client had not been charged with the murder. The informant stated that the murder was carried out under the instruction of our client. He also gave evidence of other offences which he carried out with our client, which formed other counts on the indictment. Our client pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to supply Class A drugs, heroin, and crack cocaine. He denied his involvement in any other offences. Following a three week trial, our client was acquitted on all counts considered at trial; murder, robbery, possession of a prohibited firearm and s18 GBH.

2020

 

 

2020- R V R v J and others. Encro matter OXFORD CROWN COURT

At Oxford Crown Court we represented a client in relation to an allegation of Conspiracy to Supply Class A Drugs (10 KG of Cocaine). This case was investigated by the National Crime Agency. It was alleged that the Defendant had conspired with others to supply 10 Kilos of cocaine from London to Oxford. This case was part of the first wave of prosecutions in UK involving Encrochat evidence after police forces across Europe had been able to infiltrate the Encrochat phone network which was known to be used by criminal gangs. The crown heavily relied on cell site, ANPR and Encrochat Evidence to imply that the defendant was part of an organised crime group. The Defendant maintained his innocence throughout and was the only defendant to be acquitted after trial.

 

2020- R V S- MURDER- CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

Another fantastic result for SVS Solicitors in yet another high profile case. This matter related to the murder of an 18 year old in Newham, London, who died of multiple stab wounds on 26th August 2019. A 16 and 14 year old were identified for the physical act of committing the murder. Our client was subsequently identified by police as an additional primary party who encouraged and assisted the commission of the murder. In this case, it was suggested that our client instructed the two principals to commit the offence as retribution for a serious stabbing incident he was the victim of six days earlier. The crown alleged that he facilitated the murder by providing the pair with a stolen car used to drive to/from the attack site, paying for their taxi journey to collect the car and then subsequently sheltering one of the principals in the days after the crime. Extensive phone evidence was served detailing the calls, messages and movements of the defendants, which the crown used to support their case. After a lengthy two month trial, our client was acquitted of both murder and manslaughter. Our client  was only defendant that was charged with murder to be acquitted.

 

 

 

2020 – R V J-L AND L-W – ATTEMPTED MURDER LINKED TO A MURDER – MAIDSTONE CROWN COURT

 

The Defendants were charge in relation to a murder which occurred at an event in Maidstone. The incident itself was captured on CCTV and there were numerous witnesses. The main Defendant proceeded to a fully contested trial and was acquitted of the main charges. The second Defendant conceded that he had participated in the violent disorder on a limited basis.

 

2020 – R V O – POSSESSION FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT

 

This case concerned an historic allegation which arose from a shootout outside a London nightclub. 2 rival gangs exchanged gunfire using an array of different firearms. This resulted in 2 of the patrons being shot. Operation Trident commenced a very detailed investigation which took place over several years. There was voluminous CCTV evidence and cell site evidence utilising which the Police had tracked the movements of the Co Defendants. There was also clear footage of the shooting and witness evidence which supported this.

 

2020 – R V W – POSSESSION FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT

 

The Defendant had allegedly discharged a firearm inside a nightclub which had resulted in one of the patrons being shot in the leg. There was extensive CCTV footage of the incident and the case was investigated by Homicide detectives who also produced bad character evidence in support of their case.

 

2020 – R V A – MURDER – READING CROWN COURT

The Defendant was just 15 years of age when this offence took place and a 15 year old boy was stabbed to death in Reading. The two protagonists were schoolfriends that had had a disagreement which culminated in a fatal altercation.

 

2020 – R V D – MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

 

This was a large scale complicated case which resulted in a lengthy trial of several months. The Police investigation was based upon CCTV footage, telephone cell site evidence and call records. There was also a substantial amount of witness evidence which pertained to a dispute between 2 gangs in the West London area. The animosity between the rival gangs foreshadowed a violent battle in the street which caused the death of the victim from stab wounds.

 

2020 – R V H – ATTEMPTED MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

 

The Defendant was accused of a knife related attempted murder at a party whereby the victim had suffered near fatal injuries. This was witnessed by several eye witnesses and the Defendant conceded that he had been present at the scene. After detailed representations had been offered the Crown withdrew the attempted murder charge and the Defendant pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding.

 

2020 – R V B-L AND J – MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

 

We represented a client at the Central Criminal Court who was charged with Murder, manslaughter and possession of firearm with intent to endanger life. It was alleged that our client was involved in an altercation whereby the victim had passed away after suffering a gunshot wound to the head. Ms Anna Hogg, Trainee Solicitor of this firm worked tirelessly on this case while Mr Sasha Sidhu, Managing Director, oversaw proceedings. Our client was represented in Court by Michael Holland QC and Andrew Frymann, both of Furnival Chambers. After a 4 week trial our client was unanimously acquitted after deliberations that lasted less than one day. This was despite there being CCTV evidence which clearly showed the victim being shot in the head and the client admitting to being responsible for the shooting albeit citing an accident as the explanation for what had occurred. The outcome was in keeping with the established practices of the firm and our firearm related specialism.

 

2020 – R V H – ATTEMPTED MURDER – HARROW CROWN COURT

 

This case had resulted from a dispute between neighbours which culminated in a near fatal stabbing. The incident was captured on CCTV and the Defendant conceded that he had stabbed the victim but cited self defence. He was acquitted by a jury.

2019

 

2019 – R V A – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT

This was a case investigated by Operation Trident who had conducted a coordinated arrest of the two Defendants. There was an extensive amount of complex cell site material and also telephone attribution evidence. The first trial was aborted and a retrial ensued as a result.

2019 – R V O – GBH W INTENT AND NOXIOUS SUBSTANCE – WOOD GREEN CROWN COURT

This was a case a high profile acid attack in East London. Following an extensive Police operation the Defendant was arrested and tried. The Defendant accepted presence at the scene of the assault which was allegedly gang related and was filmed by onlookers on mobile phones but was acquitted after trial.

2019 – R V U – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT – WOOLWICH CROWN COURT

The Defendant was charged alongside 4 others in relation to a transaction that had take place in Luton. A firearm was then recovered following surveillance by Operation Trident. A large amount of telephone data coupled with cell site information was analysed in order to prepare the case for trial.

2019 – R V P – VIOLENT DISORDER AND FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE – SOUTHWARK CROWN COURT

The Defendant who is a high profile rapper was prosecuted in respect of a large scale violent disorder that took place in West London and culminated in a shooting. He was charged alongside eight others and The Police Gangs Unit were reliant upon detailed telephone and forensic evidence. At trial following forceful representations the firearms offence was discontinued and the Defendant pleaded guilty to violent disorder on a factually restricted basis.

2019 – R V R – CONSPIRACY TO KIDNAP – HARROW CROWN COURT

The Defendant was charged alongside 6 others in relation the alleged kidnapping and torture of a drug dealer. This was a highly complex case which involved analysis of telecommunications data as well as ANPR information and forensic evidence. Queens Counsel was instructed to represent the Defendant.

2019 – R V B – ATTEMPTED MURDER – BRISTOL CROWN COURT

The Defendant was charged with attempted murder in respect of an alleged dispute that had arisen as a consequence of a “county lines” drug dealing network. Detailed representations resulted in the attempted murder charge being withdrawn and trial proceedings coming to an end.

2019 – R V E – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – The Defendant was alleged to be an active gang member and was forensically linked to a firearm that had been recovered by Operation Trident. Telephone analysis also placed the Defendant in the environs where the firearm was recovered. Following the lodgement of a dismissal argument the Crown withdrew their case.

2019 – R V I – MANSLAUGHTER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT –

This was a complex case which concerned a total of 7 Defendants. The Defendant was acquitted after a lengthy contested trial. The case attracted considerable media attention due to the killing being alleged to have occurred during an attempted exorcism.

2019 – R V L – PERVERTING THE COURSE OF JUSTICE IN A MURDER CASE – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

This case pertained to the high profile murder of a bouncer in Mayfair at a New Year’s Party. The defendant was acquitted after a trial lasting 6 weeks.

2019 – R H-M – ATTEMPTED MURDER- CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The Defendant was alleged to be a member of a gang from South London and was accused of being a party to a shooting which took place in Brixton. There were 4 co accused and a lengthy trial ensued during the course of which detailed cell site and ballistics evidence was deployed. The defendant was found not guilty after lengthy jury deliberations.

2019 – R V I – MANSLAUGHTER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

An altercation took place in Tottenham during the course of which the victim was stabbed to death. The Defendant was acquitted of manslaughter after a lengthy trial.

2019 – R V B – MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The Defendant was prosecuted following the death of a man at a party in Central London. The victim had collapsed in a Central London hotel and died as a consequence of blood loss. An exceptionally detailed investigation comprising telephone analysis, forensic testing and social media examination ensued and the Defendant was charged alongside 4 others with murder.

2019 – R V O – ATTEMPTED MURDER – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT

This case centred upon a stabbing which took place in East London that was alleged to be gang related and was captured on CCTV. The Defendant was one of 3 who were accused of this offence.

2019 – R V V – ATTEMPTED MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The Defendant was alleged to have shot another man on a crowded train and the incident was captured on CCTV. British Transport Police collated complex telephone evidence and witness statements from commuters in order to bolster their case. Various complex legal arguments were presented and the Defendant was acquitted of the main charge of attempted murder.

2019 –  R V B – ATTEMPTED MURDER – HARROW CROWN COURT

The Defendant was prosecuted in connection with the near fatal stabbing of an alleged rival gang member in West London. The prosecution was founded upon identification of the Defendant by a police officer and CCTV footage which captured the incident. The Crown offered no evidence after detailed submissions were made in relation to the identification evidence.

2018

2018 – R V B/ W-M – CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY AMMUNITION AND FIREARMS – CROYDON CROWN COURT

This case resulted from an Operation Trident investigation into the supply of firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Detailed surveillance evidence and telephone cell site analysis was central to this case which culminated in an 8 week trial. Complex legal argument lead to an application for dismissal of the principal firearms charge which was dismissed by the trial judge.

2018 – R V G-S/F – CONSPIRACY TO POSSESS FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT

The main Defendant was incarcerated at the time of the offences which were said to have been involved the hiring of a gunman who subsequently discharged a firearm at the victim’s house. Operation Trident undertook a detailed analysis of the several mobile phones and electronic devices in order to build a formidable case which was successfully defended at trial.

2018 – R V T – CONSPIRACY TO POSSESS FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT

The Defendants in this case were the subject of a lengthy Trident investigation into alleged gang related gun crime. 2 firearms and ammunition were recovered as a consequence of a surveillance operation. Alleged gang affiliation and social media downloads were pivotal issues and were carefully scrutinised.

2018 – R V F – MURDER – ST ALBANS CROWN COURT

The client was one of 5 youths charged with the murder of another youth. It was alleged that the attack was gang-related.

The disclosure in this case centred on mobile telephone evidence and relied on call traffic between our client and the victim, our client and the co-defendants, and call traffic between all defendants. In addition, there was extensive cell-site evidence which showed the movements of the client before, during and after the attack.

A careful comparison of the mobile telephone download call logs and raw billing data was undertaken by the defence. The trial in the matter lasted 7 weeks.

2018 – R V D – ATTEMPTED MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The Crown’s case was that the complainant had called the ambulance service stating her throat had been cut and was bleeding. The defendant was attended upon and instructions taken in custody, including the history of their relationship.

This case involved the preparation of a bad character application for the complainant following a careful consideration of unused material. This included police CRIS report and CAD messages detailing previous reports to the police of the complainant assaulting the client . This included use of a kettle and a knife.

Following a 6 day trial this client was acquitted.

2018 – R V T/G – MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

SVS represented both Defendants in this case who were charged with murder. They were accused of shooting dead an unfortunate bystander during the course of a gangland feud. Murder squad detectives had investigated an incident whereby the main Defendant was shot at and stabbed in the head and then allegedly sought to retaliate by firing shots at members of the rival gang on a housing estate in West London. CCTV and cell site evidence was utilised in the preparation of this case and after a 6 week trial both Defendants were acquitted.

2018 – R V K – CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY CLASS A – AYLESBURY CROWN COURT

The Defendant was charged as part of a large scale surveillance operation that culminated in a lengthy and complex trial in relation to an allegation of conspiracy to supply class A drugs. This case attracted considerable media attention. After a 2 month long trial the Defendant was acquitted of the charges.

2018 – R V A – MURDER – LEWES CROWN COURT

It was alleged that the Defendant was a class A drug dealer and that he had stabbed and killed a drug addict in St Leonards on Sea. He was arrested near to the scene of the crime and was summarily charged. Following careful case preparation representations were made to the Crown and the murder charge was discontinued and an alternative charge of manslaughter was preferred.

2018 – R V S – CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY FIREARMS – KINGSTON CROWN COURT

The Defendant was charged as part of a multi handed conspiracy to import and then transfer firearms. The case involved a complex surveillance operation by British and German Police as the firearms were being imported from Germany by a Bulgarian gang. Telephone intercepts were also utilised. Alleged UK based members of organised crime groups were also arrested.

2018 – R V C-D – MURDER – BASILDON CROWN COURT

A drug addict in South Ockenden was hacked to death with a machete and it was alleged that the Defendant had set him up. There had been a long standing feud between the victim and the drug dealer who was alleged to have killed him. The Crown sought to prove their case by the use of eye witnesses to the murder and extensive telephone evidence and cell siting. After a fully contested trial the Defendant was acquitted.

2018 – R V H – CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY CLASS A DRUGS – PORTSMOUTH CROWN COURT

The Defendant was charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs in the Portsmouth area. There were 8 Defendants charged in total in this high level “county lines” case. There was a considerable amount of telephone evidence and evidence from undercover officers. The Defendant was the only one not to be convicted in this case.

2017
2017 – R V E A-S– MURDER- CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

This was a case that was underpinned by gang related violence. The Defendant was charged alongside one other and was accused of the murder of a gang member from East London. It was alleged that he had stabbed the victim in an unprovoked attack. The case was heavily reliant upon CCTV and telephone evidence.

2017 – R V S – MURDER – BIRMINGHAM CROWN COURT

The Defendant who was from South London was accused of the murder of an alleged London based gang member at a party in Leicester. The case was investigated by the Midlands Major Crime Team and led to their enquiring into other knife related crime in this area. 2 other alleged gang members from South London were also charged in connection with these offences.

2017 – R V L – MURDER – LEWES CROWN COURT

The Defendant was charged alongside three others in relation to the murder of a man in Crawley. The motivation for this offence was alleged to have been drawn from illicit drug dealing in the Sussex area. The Defendant conceded that he had struck the fatal blow using a kitchen knife but advanced self-defence as an explanation for this. After a fully contested trial he was acquitted of murder.

2017 – R V M – MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The Defendant was a youth that was accused of stabbing the victim to death in Harrow. The alleged motivation was gang related and driven by a desire for revenge. This case involved a number of sensitive issues due to the Defendants being youths. After a full trial the Defendant was the only one to be acquitted. Both of his Co Defendants were convicted of murder.

2017 – R V H – ATTEMPTED MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

This case concerned an armed robbery in East London. The alleged victim was shot at close range by the perpetrators. Operation Trident investigated the case and utilised telephone attribution/cell site evidence and CCTV. This case attracted considerable media attention.

2017 – R V B – ATTEMPTED MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

This Defendant was accused of the attempted murder of a police officer who was conducting surveillance in the East End of London. This case was heavily publicised and was investigated by Homicide and Major Crime Command. The investigation that was undertaken was complex and reliant upon CCTV as well as cell site evidence.

The Defendant was acquitted of attempted murder after trial.

2017 – R V K –POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT – WOOLWICH CROWN COURT

The Defendant was arrested by Operation Trident following a shooting in South East London. He was alleged to be in the company of a single accomplice in the course of attempting to fire shots at members of the travelling community. The case involved telephone and forensic evidence.

2017 – R V S– CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT ROBBERY AND HAVING FIREARM WITH INTENT – MAIDSTONE CROWN COURT

This was a large scale armed robbery case which resulted in a trial involving multiple Defendants that lasted for 3 months. It was alleged that a travellers’ site in Kent had been the subject of a robbery by a gang of men armed with firearms. A complex and detailed investigation ensued.

2017 –R V E AND K – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT

The Defendants were arrested by Operation Trident as part of an intelligence led surveillance operation. It was alleged that the first Defendant had travelled to Stockwell and fired shots at a rival gang member in order to exact revenge for being assaulted by him. The firearm was recovered on the person of the second Defendant who conceded that he was in possession of it but denied any intention to use it. Operation Trident analysed the Defendant’s phones and produced downloads in furtherance of their case. Both Defendant’s were acquitted of the main charge of possession of firearms with intent after trial.

2017 – R V T AND N-B – CONSPIRACY TO TRANSFER FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT

The Defendants represented by SVS were charged following a raid on a flat in East London by armed Police and Operation Trident. 11 Handguns, an assault rifle, ammunition for each of the weapons and 11 silencers were seized.

CCTV evidence was recovered which established that both Defendants were at the scene and telephone analysis linked them to the alleged conspiracy but they were both acquitted after a lengthy trial during the course of which neither Defendant gave evidence.

2016
2016 – R V M – MURDER – CROYDON CROWN COURT

This is a case which relates to the heavily publicised murder of a man whose body has never been recovered which took place in Sussex.

Sussex Police undertook a lengthy investigation involving telephone and forensic analysis which necessitated the use of expert evidence.

2016 – R V A – MURDER – BRISTOL CROWN COURT

The Defendant was charged with the murder of a drug user and was also implicated in the large supply of class A drugs.

Medical evidence was pivotal throughout this case and a leading expert was instructed on behalf of the Defence who managed to undermine the Crown’s case. After a submission of no case to answer was made at trial the charges of murder and manslaughter were both dismissed.

2016 – R V M-G – ATTEMPTED MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The Defendant was accused of carrying out a “drive by” shooting in West London. He transferred to SVS after admitting in his police interview that he had been responsible for the shooting but avoided conviction for attempted murder.

2016 – R V H – ATTEMPTED MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The Defendant was charged with attempted murder as it was alleged he had shot a police officer after Operation Trident had executed a raid on his home address. This case attracted national media coverage and a fully contested trial at the Central Criminal Court ensued. The Defendant had been detained by officers in possession of a firearm and was identified by a number of them as being responsible for the shooting but was acquitted by a jury after trial.

2016 – R V K – ATTEMPTED MURDER – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT

The Defendant was charged in connection with a gang related stabbing that took place in South London. Detailed analysis of telephone and CCTV evidence was utilised by the investigating police force.
Our client was identified by a former school teacher whose evidence was supported by CCTV. He was also arrested and charged with separate firearms offences during the course of his trial but was acquitted by a jury in his absence.

2016 – R V D – CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT MONEY LAUNDERING – BLACKFRIARS CROWN COURT

The Defendant was alleged to be part of an organised crime network and was arrested following a surveillance operation. She was the only one of the four Defendants to be acquitted.

2016 – R V B – CONSPIRACY TO PERVERT THE COURSE OF JUSTICE AND MONEY LAUNDERING

This case arose from a complex investigation into money laundering and involved a great deal of telephone and cell site analysis by a regional Major Crime Team. There were eleven Defendants in total. After detailed representations were made to the Prosecution the Defendant pleaded to a lesser substantive count and the main allegations were discontinued.

2016 – R V M – CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY CLASS A – WOOLWICH CROWN COURT

The Metropolitan Police Special Intelligence Service had charged six men after the seizure of 200 kilograms of high purity cocaine valued at £70m. The Defendant was arrested at Tilbury Docks after the cocaine was found concealed in the rear of a vehicle being used by the Defendants.

A protracted investigation resulted in a trial after which the Defendant was acquitted.

2016 – R V P – CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT ROBBERY – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The Defendant is one of six Defendants charged by the Flying Squad in relation to a complex conspiracy to commit armed robberies. This follows an investigation that lasted for two years. In total it was alleged that ten armed robberies had taken place in the South London area.

After a lengthy trial our client was acquitted of the main charges.

2016 – R V B – CONSPIRACY TO TRANSFER FIREARMS – HARROW CROWN COURT

This case concerned the large scale manufacture of lethal firearms, and their subsequent onward sale. It was alleged that the conspirators would organise the purchase of de-activated firearms from antique or military shops and would then “re-activate” the firearms, and in so doing manufacture a fully functioning and lethal firearm.

There were eleven Defendants in total and the case was investigated by Operation Trident and it was alleged that they were connected to 30-40 firearms.

2016 – R V C – CONSPIRACY TO TRANSFER FIREARMS – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The Defendant was one of four charged with plotting to transfer a loaded firearm onwards for use in a criminal enterprise. This case involved the use of cell site analysis and an undercover surveillance operation by Trident officers.

After 2 trials our client was the only defendant out of 4 that was acquitted.

2016 – R V R – CONSPIRACY TO TRANSFER FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION – WOOLWICH CROWN COURT

The Defendant was arrested in the course of an undercover Police “Sting” which involved the use of phone recordings and surveillance. It was alleged that the weapons were to be obtained for the purpose of being used in gang related activity.

2016 – R V A – CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT KIDNAP, FALSE IMPRISONMENT AND BLACKMAIL

This is a multi-handed kidnap case that is said to have taken place in the South London area. It was investigated by the Human Trafficking Unit and was based upon the evidence of the complainant combined with CCTV and cell site analysis.

Our client was acquitted after a fully contested trial.

2015

2015 – R V S – MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The defendant along with one other was charged with stabbing the victim to death in West London. After representations were made the charge was reduced to one of perverting the course of justice.

2015 – R V O – ATTEMPTED MURDER – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

A shooting took place in South London and the Defendant was charged with attempted murder. The case centred upon CCTV evidence and an identification by an eye witness and was supported by telephone analysis.

Our client was acquitted of attempted murder after trial.

2015 – R V O – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE – WOOD GREEN CROWN COURT

Expert evidence was secured in this case by the defence which led to the case being dismissed because the prosecution’s forensic evidence was undermined.

2015 – R V L –HUMAN TRAFFICKING – MANCHESTER CROWN COURT

This was a multi handed case which concerned a complicated scheme whereby the alleged victims were being trafficked into the UK from Eastern Europe.

2015 – R V A-A AND A – KIDNAPPING, FALSE IMPRISONMENT AND BLACKMAIL – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

This was a multi handed case which related to a kidnapping in East London involving the alleged use of a firearm.

Following a lengthy investigation by the Specialist Crime Directorate there were two lengthy trials after which both Defendants who were represented by SVS were acquitted of all charges.

2015 – R V K – CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT MONEY LAUNDERING – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

This was a multi handed trial which related to a conspiracy to launder large sums of money. Exceptionally detailed telephone and financial analysis was undertaken and then examined by our defence team.

2015 – R V B – CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT ROBBERY – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT

The MET’s Flying Squad had arrested and charged a number of defendants in relation to a series of armed robberies that had taken place in the South London area. Our client was acquitted of the main conspiracy to commit robbery with the use of a firearm after a fully contested trial.

2015 – R V P AND U – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT AND CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY – SOUTHAMPTON CROWN COURT

Both Defendants were charged in relation to an extensive drugs supply conspiracy and also a related offence of possession of a firearm with intent. A large volume of evidence focussing on cell site analysis and ANPR readers was brought to bear.

The Defendants were acquitted of the firearms offence after trial.

2015 – APPEAL OF I A– COURT OF APPEAL

The Appellant had been convicted of robbery and received a substantial term of imprisonment. After instructing SVS and lodging an appeal against his conviction the Court of Appeal rule that his conviction was unsafe and he was acquitted following a retrial.

2015- R V B/ AND L – VIOLENT DISORDER – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT

This case related an instance of alleged gang related violence in East London. A large volume of telephone and cell site analysis was produced by the Prosecution.

After the jury had failed to reach a verdict the violent disorder charge was discontinued and a lesser charge was substituted.

2014
2014 – R V L – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT– MURDER

Lengthy and complex case involving complex forensic and evidential issues.

2014 – R v I – READING CROWN COURT – ATTEMPTED MURDER

There were complex psychiatric issues involved in this case and largely thanks to the intervention of medical experts recruited by SVS the Prosecution offered no evidence in respect of the attempted murder charge.

2014 – R v T – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – ATTEMPTED MURDER, POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE AND POSSESSION OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION

This was a multi handed case that centred on a shooting. There had been a large scale investigation into an East London gang who were believed to be responsible for a spate of shootings which culminated in this lengthy trial.

2014 – R V A – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT

The Defendant in this case was acquitted after a full trial having successfully established a defence of duress.

2014 – R V S – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – ATTEMPTED MURDER

A stabbing occurred in Brixton and the majority of the incident was captured on CCTV. A lesser charge was brought following successful representations.

2014 – R V D – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT – ATTEMPTED MURDER

A stabbing took place in a restaurant in East London. The entire incident was captured on CCTV and the Defendant was apprehended close to the scene of the offence.

2014 – R V F – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE

The Defendant was charged with possession of a firearm following the seizure of a shotgun and a forensic link being established.

2014 – R V O – WOOD GREEN CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE

The Defendant was charged with possession of a handgun due to being forensically linked to the firearm.

2014 – R V M – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY CLASS A

This case was the result of a complex investigation involving the importation and subsequent supply at street level of controlled substances valued at several million pounds.

2014 – R V R – BLACKFRIARS CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT MONEY LAUNDERING

A detailed investigation resulted in multiple defendants being charged as part of a conspiracy. Although significant evidence was brought to bear the case was successfully defended.

2014 – R V T – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM AND VIOLENT DISORDER

Operation Trident conducted an investigation into a shooting in the Newham area and the Defendant was charged having been identified by 2 eye witnesses. Detailed telephone and cell site analysis was deployed against the Defendant who was acquitted of the firearms offence as it was established that he had in fact been involved in a relatively minor public disturbance.

2013
2013 – R V O – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT – MURDER

Multi handed murder trial concerning a fatal stabbing at a nightclub. The Crown’s case was founded upon CCTV evidence which captured the entire incident leading to the murder. The Defendant was acquitted after trial despite his Co Defendants being convicted of murder.

2013 – R V L – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT – MURDER

This was a four handed trial which arose due to a contract killing in Hackney. This was a shooting with a Mac 10 machine pistol that was said to have been carried out by gang members from Tottenham at the behest of the Turkish mafia. This fatal shooting was alleged to have been the twenty ninth shooting that had taken place during the course of a feud between rival Turkish gangs vying for control of the illegal drug trade.

2013 – R V M – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT – ATTEMPTED MURDER

This case concerned a stabbing in a nightclub during the course of which the victim sustained life threatening injuries.

2013 – R V S – INNER CITY LONDON CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY DRUGS

This was a complex and multi handed conspiracy to supply drugs.
Voluminous cell site evidence and raw call data had to be carefully analysed in preparation for this complex trial.

2013 – R V O at WOOD GREEN CROWN COURT – AGGRAVATED BURGLARY AND POSSESSION OF FIREARM

This case was dismissed prior to trial despite our client having been identified by 2 witnesses.

2013 – R V C & C – WOOD GREEN CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM & ROBBERY

This case related to an armed robbery and both of our clients were identified by the victim and the Police had also recovered property belonging to the victim from our clients. As a result of representations the case was discontinued prior to trial.

2012
2012 – R V D – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT – MURDER

9 Handed gang related murder. This was said to be a planned execution of a rival gang member.

2012 – R V S – CROYDON CROWN COURT- CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT FRAUD

Large scale conspiracy concerning tens of thousands of pounds of credit card fraud.

2012 – R V C – WOOD GREEN CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM

Our client benefited from a successful dismissal application prior to trial.

2012 – R V D – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT –POSSESSION OF FIREARM

Our client was acquitted notwithstanding the fact that he had signed police officer’s notes to the effect that both the firearm and a CS gas canister belonged to him. At trial he admitted signing 2 notebooks and the property search record to the effect that both were his.

After a 5 day trial during which 3 DC’s and a DI were accused of lying and fabricating evidence it took the jury an hour to unanimously acquit.

2012 – R V A – WORCESTER CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY CLASS A

5 Handed conspiracy in which no evidence was offered against our client following extensive representations.

2012 – R V M – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE

Representing client allegedly found to be in possession of a loaded firearm and mobile phone that had been used in furtherance of a conspiracy to supply drugs.

2012 – R V D – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY CLASS A

Multi handed conspiracy to supply class A drugs in the London and Oxfordshire areas. Vast amount of phone evidence and extensive surveillance.

2012 – R V W – CROYDON CROWN COURT – BLACKMAIL, FALSE IMPRISONMENT AND HAVING FIREARM W/INTENT

Our client was acquitted after trial with all prosecution witnesses attending and giving evidence against him.

2012 – R V D – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE

Multi handed conspiracy to transport a firearm from Bedfordshire to South London for alleged use in gang related acitivities.

2012 – R V P – LUTON CROWN COURT – HAVING FIREARM W/INTENT AND ROBBERY

Representing Defendant charged with having committed an armed robbery in Luton.

2012 – R V S – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT – PERVERTING THE COURSE OF JUSTICE IN A MURDER CASE

Alleged that our client assisted in destroying a car that had been used in a drive by shooting.

2012 – R V A – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO IMPORT CLASS A

Complex and multi handed case relating to the importation of class A drugs into the jurisdiction.

2011
2011 – R V I – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT – MURDER

Multi-handed murder which was alleged to be gang related.

2011 – R V Y – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT – MURDER

9 Handed murder case which lasted for 4 months and resulted in an acquittal after trial.

2011 – R V T – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT – ATTEMPTED MURDER

This case concerned the attempted execution of a police informant who was shot 7 times at close range. Our client was exonerated despite having been identified and being forensically linked to the firearm used in the shooting and also the phone that had been used by the gunman.

2011 – R V R – BLACKFRIARS CRIMINAL COURT – CONSPIRACY TO STEAL

Large scale conspiracy to steal mainly centred upon the railway network. Our client was alleged to be the main ringleader and the case against him was successfully dismissed prior to trial.

2011 – R V S – READING CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO MURDER

This was a 5 handed trial which centred on a conspiracy to murder that was alleged to be retribution for an earlier attack on one of the Co Defendants. Our client was also charged with offences relating to possession of a firearm and conspiracy to inflict grievous bodily harm. Following protracted representations the conspiracy to murder charge was withdrawn.

2011 – R V S – CHELMSFORD CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO IMPORT CLASS A

Multi handed and complex conspiracy to import drugs to the value of 4.5 million pounds.

2011 – R V W – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT – CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT ROBBERY

Defendant acquitted after full trial despite accepting that he had driven the perpetrators of the robbery away from the scene.

2010
2010 – R V B – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE

Alleged South London gang member who was arrested in possession of a loaded handgun following a Police surveillance operation.

2010 – R V B – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE

Our client who was portrayed as being an active member of a South London gang was alleged to have been in possession of a loaded firearm.

2010 – R V F – KINGSTON CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO SUPPLY CLASS A

Complex conspiracy involving extensive use of surveillance evidence and forensic analysis.

2010 – R V G – SNARESBROOK CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO POSSESS FIREARMS WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE

Large scale multi handed conspiracy relating to a firearms factory that had been set up in East London. Our client who had maintained that he had never visited the premises in question, was acquitted after a month long trial despite there being CCTV and DNA evidence linking him to the premises.

2009
2009 – R V S – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT – ATTEMPTED MURDER

Multi Handed case relating to the kidnapping and attempted murder of a rival gang member.

2009 – R V A – CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT – ATTEMPTED MURDER

Our client was the subject of an Operation Trident investigation as a firearm had been deployed. This was a multi handed case and required careful analysis of complex evidence.
2009 – R V B – ST ALBANS CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT ROBBERY

This was a multi handed conspiracy that related to robberies of numerous commercial businesses. There was a vast amount of material that had been collated and was subjected to close scrutiny.

2009 – R V C – KINGSTON CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT ROBBERY

Large scale multi handed conspiracy that was the result of a lengthy Flying Squad surveillance operation. This case required the analysis of a huge volume of phone data and cell site analysis.

2009 – R V H – ISLEWORTH CROWN COURT – CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT BLACKMAIL

Multi handed conspiracy to commit blackmail which involved the alleged use of a firearm. Our client’s case was successfully dismissed prior to trial.

2009 – R V P – INNER LONDON CROWN COURT – POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE

This case related to a pre-planned Operation Trident which engaged surveillance on a vehicle carrying 3 suspected South London gang members. The vehicle was stopped and several Mac 10 machine pistols were recovered. Our client was acquitted after a full trial.

2008
2008 – R V S – LUTON CROWN COURT -ATTEMPTED MURDER

This case centred upon a stabbing and a conviction was successfully averted as a result of a plea bargain.

Notable Criminal Cases