Notable Cases

SMW was appointed to cross-examine witnesses at trial for a pregnant client of good character charged with two assaults by beating and racially aggravated threatening behaviour, arising from an incident in which she was surrounded by five men and prevented from leaving a shop after politely requesting use of a toilet. At Stratford Magistrates’ Court, self-defence was successfully argued and the client was found not guilty on all charges.

SMW secured a major reduction in a confiscation claim against a businessman, cutting the Crown’s alleged £8 million benefit to a £1.9 million order and nearly halving the available amount. All third-party interests were upheld, the corporate veil remained intact, and key assets were excluded after detailed submissions and robust negotiation.

Client accused of road-rage related s18 GBH has lesser pleas accepted after representations, and receives a suspended sentenced.

Our client was found not guilty of assaulting an officer after the court accepted that he acted reasonably and proportionately in self-defence of his partner, who was subjected to excessive and unlawful force during a Mental Health Act incident.

Our client, who was charged with attempted burglary and threatening behaviour, had both charges discontinued after our representations demonstrated that he was suffering from psychosis at the time of the alleged offences, meaning the evidential test for attempted burglary was not met and prosecution was not in the public interest.

Our client, charged with a Section 4 Public Order offence arising from an altercation at a football match, was formally acquitted after our representations demonstrated he had acted in self-defence, leading the CPS to offer no evidence and discontinue the case.

SMW achieved a substantially reduced sentence for a vulnerable client who offended during a severe mental health crisis. After presenting comprehensive psychiatric evidence, the court imposed a two-year term despite far higher guideline starting points.

Sonn Macmillan Walker successfully represented a client initially charged with s18 GBH, persuading the Crown to accept a lesser s20 wounding charge by demonstrating the client had no knowledge of the co-defendant’s intent to inflict serious harm. As a result, the more serious charge was left to lie on file, and the client received a suspended sentence instead of immediate custody.

Our client was acquitted of rape after the defence exposed evidential gaps, inconsistencies, and expert findings supporting consensual sex and undermining the complainant’s account. The case highlighted disclosure failures by the prosecution, leading to a full acquittal and defence costs awarded.

An excellent outcome for our client, with the Court accepting that he had no beneficial interest in the property of which he was legal owner.

After being charged without a proper police interview, ML’s case was challenged with a letter before action, prompting the CPS to offer a youth caution.

Our client was found unfit for trial after our instruction of medical experts, and after strong representations, the Prosecution offered no evidence and discontinued the case.