Simon Ridding recently succeeded in a 3-day POCA appeal trial at the Manchester Crown Court instructed by the Home Office.
The appellant had previously been sentenced to a substantial term of imprisonment for his involvement in an organised crime group which facilitated the obtaining of sham marriage certificates in order to circumvent UK immigration controls.
The appeal concerned whether a significant sum of cash was recoverable property. The appellant relied upon extensive financial material and other documentary evidence in support of his case that the funds derived from a legitimate source. Following several days of cross-examination of the appellant and his witnesses, the Court found that their evidence lacked credibility and upheld the forfeiture order.
The case involved the careful analysis of substantial financial evidence and demonstrates Simon's experience in complex confiscation, forfeiture and proceeds of crime litigation.
Simon was instructed by the Home Office.