BLOG FRIDAY 24TH JULY

Robert Fitt and Jennifer Brenton hosted the first 33 Bedford Row Crime Team Zoom Webinar on Covert Surveillance and Social Media, we are very grateful to all attendees and hope they found it useful.

Nichola Cafferkey instructed in Conspiracy to supply firearms and class A drugs cases resulting from the NCAs infiltration of the Encro chat network. The infiltration has been reported widely, including by the BBC.

Ravinder Saimbhi has been granted permission to appeal sentence on behalf of her client, who received a 7 year minimum term for Possession with Intent to supply class A drugs on the basis that a failure to allow credit for a guilty plea was wrong in principle and may render the sentence manifestly excessive. Awaiting a hearing date from the COA. Instructed by Roopa Kotecha at IBB solicitors.

Nigel Edwards QC was instructed Pro-Bono on behalf of third party complainants to intervene in an ongoing very high profile criminal sexually related trial to prevent disclosure of, or anything possibly leading to disclosure of, their identities. Submissions in writing were made leading to the learned Judge issuing a wide ranging prohibition notice in open court and to the judicial press office. Outstanding pre-emptive work done at very short notice.

Daniel Walker secured a Youth Rehabilitation Order for a 17-year old defendant, following conviction by jury for Robbery. Mr Walker had already secured an acquittal of his defendant at trial for Possession of a Bladed Article. The trial involved 6 defendants and it was alleged that a weapon had been used during an attack on another youth. 

Emma Reed is instructed in a case of multiple arson with intent to endanger life.  Instructed by Lowri Marks of Credence Law.

From a Clerks’ perspective It certainly feels like we are over the hill and heading back towards normality. My first day back in the office will be Monday and Chambers is becoming noticeably busier by the day. We are seeing more trials fixed in the coming weeks and months and more in person hearings which is encouraging and I hope the burden on many Chambers, Solicitors and members of the Criminal Bar will ease as a result.
 
I hope everyone is keeping well in the tough times.
 
All the best.

Bill