Successful Half-Time Submission in Drugs Conspiracy

Our client was acquitted of conspiracy to supply class A drugs, namely cocaine and heroin, following a successful half-time submission at the close of the prosecution case.

Our 18-year-old client faced proceedings before Snaresbrook Crown Court alongside 7 others charged with drugs and firearms offences. It was alleged a drugs supply was being operated out of a flat in London with drugs being warehoused, prepared for street sale and being sold through a busy line. When police searched the address, an estimated £15,000 of heroin and cocaine along with two firearms and ammunition were found. Our client was seen entering and leaving the address, and in vehicles with others said to be involved.

As part of their case, the prosecution relied on over a months’ worth of CCTV footage, cell-site and telephone data. By the time of trial, all defendant’s had entered guilty pleas save for our client and one other.

At the close of the Crown’s case, it was argued that there was no case to answer and therefore the case against our client should not proceed. We had raised concerns regarding our client’s vulnerabilities at the outset, and an expert psychological report was served as part of the defence case considering suggestibility. The Judge was successfully persuaded that the case against our client was not made out.

Our client was extremely relieved and happy with the result.

Katie Lobo acted and Jessica Peck of 9BR Chambers was instructed in this matter.