Crime

All aspects of Crime.

Professional Associations

Criminal Bar Association

Case Examples

Regina -v- Bushell (2007 Oxford Crown Court)

Led by Mr. Paul Watson Q.C.

Instructed to represent the Defendant, who was charged with two offences of Attempted Murder and offences of Wounding with Intent, contrary to S18 of the OAPA 1861. Initially one of the Complainants was deemed to have a les than 5% chance of survival. Such injuries were sustained by this Complainant that he was unable to give evidence within the trial, despite having attempted to provide a video interview to the police. The evidence was largely circumstantial and the Forensic evidence such that extensive cross-examination of the expert was required. The defendant had numerous convictions for violence which made him fall within the provisions of s 229 Criminal Justice Act 2003. The defendant was acquitted of attempted Murder but convicted of the lesser offence of Wounding with Intent, by a majority. A sentence of Imprisonment for Public Protection was imposed and the attorney-General has now sought leave to appeal the sentence as unduly lenient.

Regina -v- S ( 2007 Sheffield Crown Court)

Led by Mr. Paul Watson Q.C.

Instructed to represent a 14 year old Defendant, charged with the murder of his 15 year old brother and with an offence of arson with Intent to endanger the lives of the remaining five members of his family. The Defendant was found guilty of liberally pouring white spirit over the stairs and hallway of his family home before setting it alight, whilst his family were sleeping upstairs. Serious injuries were sustained by some of the family members who survived including his mother and an elder brother. The case involved around 24 child witnesses and over 45 hours of video evidence that had to be checked and edited within a strict timetable. Leave has been sought to appeal the convictions.

Regina -v- Fitzgerald (2007 Lewes Crown Court)

Instructed to represent the female Defendant of a couple charged with offences relating to criminal behaviour on board an aircraft. The pair were travelling to Jamaica and whilst on board displayed such bad behaviour that resulted in both parties being restrained by the use of handcuffs and leg restraints and the plane having to be diverted to Bermuda to offload both Defendants who were detained by the Bermudan authorities. The case attracted considerable national press coverage.

Regina -v- Bouzin (2007 Sheffield Crown Court)

Instructed to represent a Defendant charged with assault matters that rendered him liable to the provisions of s229, Criminal Justice act 2003. As the case progressed, it became clear that the Defendant was suffering from serious Psychiatric difficulties, sufficient that an interim s38 order was imposed under the MHA 1983. Final disposal resulted in orders being made under s37 and s41 MHA 1983.

Regina -v- W (2007 Doncaster Crown Court)

Instructed to represent a 17year old Defendant charged with Aggravated Vehicle Taking whereby death occurred. The defendant was a back seat passenger in a vehicle containing four other persons, including his best friend. The car was being driven at extremely high speeds, by somebody under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The driver lost control of the vehicle and the Defendant was subsequently trapped under the body of his best friend who had sadly died immediately upon collision. The Defendant was of previous good character and upon entering his guilty plea, agreed to give evidence against the driver of the vehicle in his forthcoming trial.

Regina -v- Parker (2007 Sheffield Crown Court)