Shearman Bowen successfully represented a client charged with perverting the course of justice, securing his acquittal after a six-day trial at Harrow Crown Court.
The prosecution alleged that our client had been part of a concerted effort to help individuals connected to an alleged murder in North West London evade police detection after the event and, ultimately, leave the jurisdiction. The allegations, which arose in the aftermath of a murder investigation, led to our client being charged with perverting the course of justice. Our client was alleged to have transported one of the persons alleged to have been involved in the murder from one location to another. Three co-defendants had pleaded guilty to their role in assisting the suspect to evade capture before the case reached trial which left our client to face trial alone.
The prosecution case relied upon a detailed analysis of CCTV footage, ANPR data, telephone records and alleged associations both before and after the death. Analysing the same evidence we were able to provide the jury with an alternative explanation in support of our client’s defence. Over six days, the jury heard extensive evidence concerning the movements of vehicles and individuals in the hours and days that followed. Having considered all of the evidence, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty.
For our client, a devoted family man, the verdict brings to an end many months of uncertainty and stress. Throughout the proceedings he maintained that he had committed no offence and was determined to clear his name.
The case was prepared by Senior Partner Mark Bowen, Associate Alice Dyer and Trainee Solicitor Caitlin Albert. Kerrie Ann Rowan of 25 Bedford Row was instructed as Counsel, and we are very grateful for her expert handling of the case which was central to the our client being acquitted.