Crime Team blog: this week in Chambers

33 Bedford Row's legal team, led by Nigel Edwards QC, has taken steps to address the human rights violations against Anoosheh Ashoori and secure his release. The team are very glad that Amnesty International UK has launched a campaign calling for government action to bring Anoosheh home: https://www.amnesty.org.uk/actions/help-get-nazanin-anoosheh-home-by-christmas

In the Commons on Tuesday 3rd November, Janet Daby MP posed the questions of our legal team led by Nigel Edwards QC about the arbitrary detention of Anoosheh Ashoori and the UK government's actions to secure his immediate release: https://parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/9d55adf8-d5d5-44cb-a356-c29cf39065bf?agenda=True

Andrew Kerr and Sharmila Salvi are presently defending in a three handed trial in Portsmouth Crown Court. The case consists of a massive drugs dealing operation in Portsmouth and beyond.

Ayesha Smart has been prosecuting in a trial this week​ at Bradford Crown Court. The offence related to the large scale production of cannabis in the loft of a residential property. She secured a unanimous G verdict.

A great week in the traffic courts for Mohammed Saqib. Representing an uber driver who was driving in excess of 100mph, and already carrying 10 penalty points on his licence, Mohammed was able to successfully persuade the magistrates an exceptional hardship argument was applicable. The lay client was able to leave court without a 6-month totting up ban, despite now having 16 penalty points endorsed on his licence. 

Mohammed rounded off the week with another successful exceptional hardship argument for his lay client at Bromley Magistrates court. On this occasion his lay client left court with a total on 15 penalty points on his licence and a fine but crucially no driving ban.

Congratulations to Jamila Bernard-Stevenson on successfully applying for tenancy with chambers. 

Prior to undertaking pupillage, Jamila gained valuable advisory experience volunteering as a Union Support Service Adviser at the City University Union Support Service.  She also honed her advocacy skills representing students at risk of exclusion before governor disciplinary panels for the Community Empowerment Network.

Jamila has been able to develop her case preparation skills whilst undertaking legal support roles at the NHS Litigation Authority, Crown Prosecution Service and General Dental Council.  Whilst at the GDC, Jamila assessed fitness to practise complaints with respect to her assigned cases.

Jamila seeks to establish a mixed practice with a stong emphasis on criminal and civil work.

Have a great weekend all.

Jamie