Crime/Serious Crime
Top 10 Concluded Cases 2010-2011:
R v Samuel Quamina, Croydon CC.
Ben Ticehurst successfully defended client on murder charge in a case raising once again important issues about the rights of householders to act in self-defence. Client was acquitted at trial after alleged stabbing of three armed robbers who broke into his home.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8546678.stm
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1254936/Homeowner-stabbed-intruder-death-cleared-murder.html
R v Daniel Riley & others, CCC.
Ben Holden defended 22 year-old client in this four-handed murder & attempted murder trial at the Old Bailey.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-12121089
R – v – Nathaniel Bailey and Others (MB) CCC
Mark Bowen successfully defended 19 year-old client charged with murder. Client was accused of the gang-related shooting of Ryan Bravo at Costcutter in Walworth Road in August, 2008; client acquitted by the Jury following successful submission of no case to answer.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-12066999
http://www.met.police.uk/pressbureau/Bur23/page03.htm
NB: see also reported case (judicial review): R (on the application of Nathaniel Bailey) v Central Criminal Court
See above for facts of case. We successfully applied to the Admin. Court for a Judicial Review of the refusal of bail by an Old Bailey Judge; case referred back to CCC where client was granted bail.
http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Admin/2010/667.html
R v Jacek Szulc, Central Criminal Court
Ben Ticehurst successfully defended client on murder charge following suspicious death of a drinking companion. Crown discontinued case before trial.
R v Peter Sainsbury & Others, Southwark Crown Court
Rick Shearman acted for the lead Defendant in this four month trial at Southwark Crown Court. Client was General Secretary of a Charity, the POW Trust, and faced allegations of fraud and money-laundering totalling in excess of £2m. Confiscation proceedings ongoing.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/7682529/Conman-faces-jail-for-2.5m-scam.html
R v Paul Spicer & others, Brighton CC
Mark Bowen defended client charged with £7m horse race tipster fraud in five-week trial. Confiscation proceedings ongoing.
http://www.brightonandhovenews.org/2010/06/brighton-twins-jailed-for-5m-horse-race-betting-scam/
R v Gabriel Shodunke & others, Inner London Crown Court
Ben Holden and Robert Tolhurst defended client on charges of conspiracy to rob and possession of firearms with intent to endanger life. Client was lead Defendant, involved in six-handed gang accused of 14 armed robberies over nine month period.
http://www.thelondondailynews.com/travel-agent-armed-robbers-given-total-years-jail-p-4828.html
R v Alan Bulley and Sandy Bulley, Wood Green CC
Ben Holden and Robert Tolhurst successfully defended at trial two clients (husband and wife) charged with laundering the proceeds of a £100,000 internet holiday fraud committed by their son. Clients cleared following two week trial.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-11022977
R v Benny O’Shea and John Doyle, Southwark CC
Colette Kelly successfully defended two clients on charges of mortgage fraud, tax fraud and money-laundering valued at £4.5m. Trial collapsed in second week following non-disclosure by the Crown; pleas negotiated to lesser offences.
R v Lisa Gaskin & others, Leeds CC
Rick Shearman, Simon Hayes and Robert Tolhurst acted for client convicted of controlling prostitution for gain, negotiating basis of plea that saw her avoid a custodial sentence. In confiscation proceedings, Crown sought benefit figure of £500K, we negotiated settlement of £16,000.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/7719143/Judge-praises-women-who-ran-model-brothel.html
