Darren Snow, instructed by Shane Parkin of Forbes Solicitors,  represented RC, a serving IPP prisoner with convictions for previous prison violence, in respect of his trial for causing grievous bodily harm to a vulnerable prisoner at HMP Swaleside in Kent. It was alleged that the Defendant had slashed the victim’s face causing a  4 ½ laceration, cutting an artery and leaving permanent scarring, as punishment for being a convicted child killer. The Defendant was identified by the victim as his attacker and captured on CCTV running from the scene and later changing his clothing. In trial it became clear that further CCTV had been omitted, clothing seized not tested for forensic evidence and that timings established from CCTV capturing just before and after the attack made it impossible for the Defendant to be the attacker. Following trial, the jury unanimously acquitted Darren’s client. If you’d like to see more from us including webinars, events, and news stories, sign up for our newsletter.

They say that silence can be deafening, but how does it affect the legal process? Felicity Gerry QC talks about silence and how it, alongside joint enterprise and the legal traps that people fall into, can pervert the course of justice on Libertas Chambers’ most recent webinar. You can watch the webinar below or go here to watch it. If you’d like to hear more like this such as events, webinars, and more register for our newsletter by clicking here.

In the September edition of our Lens newsletter, we share three new insight articles from our experts, information about our next Webinar, and some Chambers & Partners 2022 news. To view the recent 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.

Sarah Day represented a youth at Isleworth Crown Court, facing counts of S18 wounding with intent to cause GBH and S18 wounding with intent to resist arrest on a joint enterprise basis for an incident that culminated in the stabbing of a police officer. Following submission of no case to answer in respect of both counts, the jury was directed to find Sarah’s Client not guilty. Sarah was instructed by Jo Chart at Sperrin Law. If you’d like to see more from us including webinars, events, and news stories, sign up for our newsletter.

Darren Snow, instructed by Emma Davies from the Royal College of Nursing’s Legal Team, recently represented a nurse in a 6-day hearing before the NMC Fitness to Practice Panel. His client faced career ending allegations of dishonesty in respect of evidence she had given at an inquest in 2018 which the NMC alleged to have been false and intended to mislead the coroner. His cross-examination of NMC witnesses revealed systemic failures in management, leadership and policy at his client’s employer resulting in the dismissal of several charges on a submission of no case to answer at the close of the NMC’s case. Darren went on to secure a finding of no dishonesty with the dismissal of the remaining charges at the conclusion of the case. His client is now able to continue her distinguished nursing career with an unblemished record. For further information on the team and how we can assist you please speak to our senior clerk Marc King. Image courtesy of the NMC To stay up to date with insight articles, webinars, and chamber news why not subscribe to Libertas Lens (our periodic newsletter) – Click here to register  

We are delighted to announce that Darren Snow has been appointed by UK Athletics to their Safeguarding Panel which oversees safeguarding policy, referrals and disciplinary hearings.  UKA is the national governing body for athletics in the UK and is recognised as one of the most successful and robust athletics governing bodes in the world hosting world class events and overseeing the performance of Olympic and Paralympic teams.  UKA also has exclusive jurisdiction over licensed coaches and officials. This appointment builds upon Darren’s experience chairing Safeguarding Panels for England Boxing. Darren’s appointment reflects our strong sports regulatory experience in Chambers. For further information on the team and how we can assist you please speak to our senior clerk Marc King. To stay up to date with insight articles, webinars, and chamber news why not subscribe to Libertas Lens (our periodic newsletter) – Click here to register To stay up to date with insight articles, webinars, and chamber news why not subscribe to Libertas Lens (our periodic newsletter) – Click here to register

Gerard’s client (the brother-in-law of the principle defendant) faced an indictment on which he was accused of 2 counts alleging conspiracies to supply multi-kilos of cocaine and heroin.  There are currently 12 defendants indicted “with others unknown”.  The case has been split into 2 trials taking place in 2022 at the Crown Court at Birmingham. Gerard submitted a detailed written argument and made lengthy oral submissions prior to the court concluding in his client’s favour.  Gerard was instructed by Ifzal Ali of IA Law.

When is somebody complicit in another person’s crime? This is a question spoken (and answered about) by our very own Felicity Gerry QC in a podcast she did with Sally Penni MBE. The podcast goes over various aspects of complicity in crime such as: Commercial crime Fraud Conspiracy. If you’d like, you can view the podcast here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1686745/8818598 or use the mp3 below to listen. https://www.libertaschambers.com/wp-content/uploads/episode-8-law-and-guidance-podcast-with-felicity-gerry-kc-1.mp3   If you’d like to hear more like this such as events, webinars, and more register for our newsletter by clicking here.