Client Receives Suspended Prison Sentence Following Strateigic Crown Court Defence

Our client originally faced 4 counts at the Crown Court, namely violent disorder, two counts of section 18 wounding with intent, and possession of an offensive weapon in respect of a hammer.  All offences were alleged to have been committed during one incident.

The incident involved a disturbance in a public place were a group of individuals were alleged to have been threatening others by shouting and swearing, whilst in possession of drink bottles alleged to contain some form of acid and knives.  One individual had a noxious substance sprayed to his face injuring his eyes, and another was slashed to the face causing lacerations which required stitches and left significant facial scaring.  After many individuals ran from the scene vehicles containing the different groups collided and our client was alleged to exit his vehicle, chasing after an individual with an item, which was thrown towards the person, and had the appearance of a hammer. 

Following careful consideration of the evidence, which included many contradictory witness statements, and careful review of the CCTV, although the evidence in respect of the violent disorder was strong, we formed the view there was insufficient evidence in respect of the most serious charges of section 18 wounding with intent. At Court the prosecution were persuaded not to pursue the other counts on the basis that our client pleaded guilty to the violent disorder.  A guilty plea to that one offence was acceptable to the Crown and by pleading guilty and our received credit for his plea.

Although our client initially faced extremely serious offences which would have inevitably led to an immediate prison sentence, by pleading guilty to the less serious offence for which there was sufficient evidence at an early stage our client avoided a trial, and following mitigation also avoided immediate custody.  He was sentence to a suspended prison sentence with conditions to undertake unpaid work and rehabilitation activity days.

Amy Cox prepared this case.  Phil Astbury from 7 Harrington Street Chambers was instructed as Counsel.