Directed not guilty verdicts were returned for Sarah Day’s client, during his trial for armed robbery and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence at Harrow Crown Court. Sarah was instructed by David Holmes at Dalton Holmes Gray.

It’s December, and with that comes the final edition of our Lens newsletter for 2021. We have an end of year update from Simon Csoka QC (Head of Chambers), we introduce our latest member Syam Soni, share four new insight articles from our experts, release information about our first two webinars of 2022 and share some recent case / news updates. To view the December 2021 edition click here To register for Libertas Lens and ensure you never miss out on our news, events and free webinars follow this link or click Join our Newsletter in the footer below.

Kieran Galvin was instructed by Simon Walker of Appleby, Hope & Matthews Solicitors from Middlesbrough to represent Mr Shaun Storey, a former Detective Constable who was charged with two offences under the Computer Misuse Act 1990. Mr Storey made two searches without authority on the Cleveland Constabulary computer system. On the first day of his trial the judge ruled that he had no defence in law and thereafter Mr Storey pleaded guilty to the two offences he was charged with. Mr Storey was an esteemed detective, an expert in investigating child sex offences. He was seconded to investigate the London bombing. He has been highly commended for his work in freeing a kidnap victim, for securing a conviction in a violent murder and more generally as a force for good. Mr Storey was fined £5185, the judge noting his public service and hitherto blameless character. Teeside Live

Simon Csoka QC successfully defended Joey Barton at Sheffield Crown Court on a charge of assault occasioning actual harm. Joey Barton is a former England international, premier league footballer for Manchester City and Newcastle United, and also played for Glasgow Rangers and Olympique de Marseille. At the time of the allegation, he was managing his first club, Fleetwood Town. He is currently the manager of Bristol Rovers. He was accused of shoulder barging Daniel Stendel, the former manager of Barnsley FC, after Barnsley won at home against Fleetwood. Daniel Stendel lost a tooth and suffered bruising after falling in the tunnel. After a seven day trial, the jury acquitted unanimously in less than two hours. Simon was instructed by Richard Derby of Potter Derby Solicitors. Media links: BBC Sky Sports The Guardian Daily Mail

Patryk Pachecka and Grzegorz Szal, have been unanimously acquitted of Murder and Manslaughter after a trial at the Central Criminal Court. Patryk Pachecka has now been reunited with his family in Gdansk, Poland. Both men were convicted of Murder in December 2017 and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 18 years, while the killer escaped responsibility. Their convictions were overturned in January 2021. The way the evidence was presented at Trial 1 in 2017 was significantly different from how it was presented in 2021 at the retrial after painstaking efforts by Mr Pachecka’s legal team to uncover the truth. Investigative journalists based in Poland working for TVN media uncovered critical information about a co-defendant who misled the first jury about his character status. There was fresh pathological and scientific evidence led by pathologists based in Northern Ireland and Germany, respectively, Professor Crane, Dr Buschmann and blood expert, Joanne Millington. Throughout the appellate process and subsequent proceedings, Patryk Pachecka and his legal team have been supported by the Polish Consulate and the Miscarriage of Justice Organisation, INSIDE JUSTICE. Patryk Pachecka was represented by Siobhan Grey QC and Richard Vardon and instructed by Jason Lartey of Lartey and Co. Siobhan Grey QC specialises in Homicide cases and is reading for a Diploma in Forensic Medicine. 

Darren Snow, instructed by Thompson’s Solicitors, represented midwife JG in fitness to practice proceedings before the Nursing & Midwifery Council concerning the care and tragic death of a baby on a high-risk delivery unit going back to November 2013. JG and 4 other midwives faced multiple allegations in respect of their respective care and treatment over the course of several shifts to an expectant mother where the baby died soon after birth. The case commenced in January 2020 and went part-heard, with various hearings – finally concluding in November 2021, taking some 58 days in total spread over 20 months. The case had gone through an internal investigation by the NHS Trust, a police investigation and an inquest before the case reached the NMC. Evidence at the hearing revealed systemic failures within the Trust with chronic understaffing and deployment of newly qualified and inexperienced midwives onto a high-risk unit, together with failures by registrars also on duty – all combining to play significant parts in the tragic events that unfolded. Evidence established that Darren’s client had managed her own high-risk patients on her shift with care and skill. Expert evidence during the hearing also revealed significant failings in training on CTG interpretation within the midwifery profession. Darren’s client was found to not be impaired on clinical grounds. The outcome was a 12-month caution order for Darren’s client, based solely upon public interest findings which the panel emphasised enabled her to continue in unrestricted practice as a midwife.

Gerard Hillman’s client was arrested for attempted murder and subsequently charged with a conspiracy to wound with intent and possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. The case involved a gang of at least 5 men who entered a local park at lunchtime on a Sunday afternoon during a football match.  The gang (that the prosecution alleged included Gerard’s client) attacked the victim by shooting him and stabbing him on multiple occasions. Gerard’s legal defence detailed analysis of the mobile telephone call data and cell site data persuaded the court that the case against his client should be dismissed. Gerard was instructed by Adam Foster of Robert Lizar Solicitors This is the fourth application to dismiss Gerard has argued this year, all of which have been successful.

Chambers and Partners 2022 has been released today ranking Libertas as a Leading Set in both Crime and Financial Crime. This is a fantastic achievement recognising the contribution of all members and clerks since Libertas opened its virtual doors 12 months ago.  Individual members at Libertas have been ranked in the practice areas set out below. Libertas thanks all those who provided such positive assessments and congratulates all our clients, partners and colleagues who have also been ranked. Libertas Chambers – Leading Set – Crime & Financial Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile Individual Ranked QCs & Juniors Simon Csoka QC –  Ranked in: Crime, Financial Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile “He is academically on a different planet and so good when it comes to understanding a case.” “A truly fantastic silk and someone you want on your side.” Leonard Smith QC – Ranked in: Crime, Financial Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile “He will work around the clock to make sure he has read every piece of evidence, even if it’s already been considered by the junior, in order to make sure he has considered every angle of the case.” “He prepares very well and is a ruthless cross-examiner.” Adam Kane QC – Ranked in: Crime, Financial Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile “An incredible silk and effective defence barrister. He is very determined in his language.” “A wonderful advocate with a lovely turn of phrase – juries like him very much.” “He is a strong advocate for his clients.” Siobhan Grey QC – Ranked in: Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile “She fights for her client and goes that extra mile.” Felicity Gerry QC – Ranked in Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile “Produces succinct and cogent submissions and is always looking to push the law forward.” Keith Mitchell – Ranked in: Financial Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile “A really good advocate who has a lovely manner with the jury.” Roxanne Morrell – Ranked in: Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile “Her cross-examination of witnesses is superb.” James Walker – Ranked in: Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile “A safe pair of hands and a clever advocate who excels in making closing speeches to the jury.” Gerard Hillman – Ranked in: Crime, Financial Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile “He is a brilliant jury advocate and great at persuading the jury when acting for the defence.” “His breadth of knowledge is exceptional and his technical ability is first-class.” Oliver Cook – Ranked in: Crime – View Chambers & Partners profile “A great technician who understands the more complex areas of the law such as telephone and DNA evidence.” You can read more about what the Guide says about us by visiting Chambers Guide 2022