Hi all
I hope everyone is keeping well.
Welcome to Crime Team's weekly blog for the week commencing 22nd February 2021.
COVID: Nigel Edwards QC and Andy Hill instructed by Chris Milligan of Bird and Co Grantham, suffer yet another 10 delay in proceedings. Since early January, a total of almost three weeks have been lost in their 5 handed murder trial on the Western Circuit due to Covid related issues with Defendants, Jurors, Prison and Court Staff falling ill or pinging on track and trace.
Mr Edwards has been outspoken in his praise for the selfless efforts of all those involved in this and so many other cases at this time.
" The judges, jurors, court staff all those involved have been amazing in their courage to make sure an essential arm of civic society keeps functioning through these desperate times.
People in this case have fallen ill and some seriously, the original instructing solicitor died of Covid related issues so this is no joke."
He has further commented,
"It is about time and essential NOW, that all all Jurors, all Defendants, the Judges and Court staff, together with lawyers and prison staff, involved in trials are vaccinated without delay, and all are so well in advance of the commencement of new cases. In doing lives will not be put at risk and limited financial resources will not be wasted by cases being delayed, interrupted or have to be abandoned.”
The case will now hopefully continue on the 8th March 2021.
This week, Paul Williams appeared at ILCC on a trial for a Grandfather who was already serving 17 years for sexually abusing his Grandchildren and nieces. 10 years after his original conviction another grandchild had come forward with allegations of historic abuse - she had previously been too traumatised to give evidence at the original Trial. Sentence was adjourned pending an updated PSR addressing the “dangerousness” issue.
Nichola Cafferkey has accepted instructions on a privately paid basis to represent a professional man charged with offences in relation to possession of indecent images.
Nermine Abdel Sayed successfully appeals against a Criminal Behaviour Order, where the prohibitions were significantly reduced as they were found not to be reasonable or proportionate.
Emma Reed appeared at Norwich CC today on behalf of her client charged with fraud by false representation. Client entered a not guilty plea and the trial date has been set for later this year. Instructed by Rebecca Higgins of Credence Law Group.
Andrew Kerr was today prosecuting a section 18 GBH at Woolwich Crown Court. The Defendant stabbed his ex-girlfriend’s new partner repeatedly in a frenzied jealous rage. Faced with the evidence the Defendant pleaded guilty and Mr. Kerr was able to ensure he got a substantial prison sentence.
Ravinder Saimbhi has had a busy week with a number of cases being listed to check suitability for forthcoming new Nightingale courts and earlier trial dates being given. It’s reassuring and heartening to see cases starting to move along after the months of delay which have been so difficult for so many. Onwards and upwards!”
Following a 5 day trial Burnley Crown Court, Ayesha Smart secures unanimous not guilty veridcts on two counts of rape and one of attempted rape for her client.
Ylenia Rosso secures a fine for a sustained common assault and driving with over double the prescribed alcohol limit in the defendant's system.
Have a lovely weekend all.
Jamie