Lewis Nedas Client Escapes Immediate Custodial Sentence

Jeremy Ornstin advised and represented a client who, along with seven others, faced a large banking C10 fraud prosecution. After preparing the case meticulously and carefully advising the client that she was likely to be convicted of this very serious fraud allegation, she pleaded guilty and received a suspended sentence. Her remaining co-defendants were all convicted and received immediate custodial sentences of some length.

Employment Issues

One in three employees face dismissal after the implementation of an EU directive which gives agency and temporary workers similar benefits (after 12 weeks’ employment) to those permanently employed.

If you require advice, either as an employer or employee, contact Jeffrey Lewis.

Horrors Facing Those Who Hold Powers Of Attorney

Brian Williams (The Guardian 10/09/2011) highlights the difficulties which he faces whilst managing his elderly mother’s affairs. He details the appalling incompetencies of various banks and other organisations when dealing with such a difficult and sensitive situation.

If you find that you are facing similar difficulties take specialist advice now.

You would be amazed how quickly these organisations react when they receive a strongly worded solicitor’s letter.

Contact: enquiries or Prue Abrahams.

Housing Market News

Various articles have been published this week about the difficulties of getting on the housing ladder. It seems that a potential buyer will require an average deposit of £66,000 – an increase of 70% over the last 20 years!

There is some light at the end of the tunnel; David Spittles of the Independent (16/09/2011) states that property prices in University towns and cities have risen 70% over the last 10 years. It seems that many parents are making buy to let investments in student accommodation.

Contact: enquiries or Richard McConnell, Barry Hellewell.

Legal 500 Rankings Out for 2011

The 2011 rankings have been released by the Legal 500.

Within Crime:

Lewis Nedas & Co has a number of specialist teams dealing with specific areas such as extradition and firearms. The team was recently successful in overturning a sexual offences case in the Court of Appeal. Siobhain Egan’s “meticulous approach is second to none”; Keith Wood is “a terrific organiser of large-scale cases, and a redoubtable fighter”; and Jeffrey Lewis has “a great grasp of the tactics necessary to win a case.”

Within Fraud:

Lewis Nedas & Co has “quietly built a thriving practice in fraud and business crime without bragging about it.” Work includes acting in a ground breaking insurance fraud prosecution; and a £350m Ponzi fraud case. Jeffrey Lewis and Keith Wood are “top drawer”, and Siobhain Egan “is also recommended.”

Retired Gun Dealer Cleared of Serious Firearms Charges

Laura Saunsbury, our firearms law specialist, has achieved another outstanding result. She represented a 70 year old retired gun dealer prosecuted for unlawful possession of a pistol and ammunition capable of being used in it. The pistol was classified as a prohibited firearm and therefore carried the potential for a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years imprisonment. Our client had taken the pistol and ammunition into his possession at the request of a friend who discovered them in a house clearance and took them to the retired gun dealer for advice on what to do with them.

Had he not been arrested a few days later for unconnected matters, of which he was wholly cleared, our client had intended to surrender the firearm and ammunition to the local firearms licensing manager, whom he had known for many years. Also found in the police search of our client’s home were two other firearms. The jury accepted our client’s explanation he had no knowledge of those being in his home, they having been amongst some of his girlfriend’s belongings which had not been unpacked since she moved in with him.

Laura ensured her client was expertly represented in his trial at Chelmsford Crown Court by specialist firearms barrister Nick Doherty. The Court of Appeal case of R v Pommell (1995) was relied on as an authority to establish the little used defence of necessity, or duress of circumstances, to justify our client having the pistol and its ammunition in his possession at the time of his arrest.

Having been acquitted of all counts by the jury, the Judge directed that our client’s privately paid legal costs be repaid from Central Funds. This client was referred to Laura by the Country Land & Business Association, of which she is a business member.

Camden Listed as One of the Top 20 Education Property Hot Spots

The Telegraph (see Property News 03/09/2011) has listed Camden as one of their top 20 education property hot spots for 2011.

They cite the location of both University College School and South Hampstead High school as the reasons for this accolade. They forget to mention the excellent state primary and secondary schools not just in Camden but throughout North London.

If you are considering buying in any of these areas contact: enquiries or Richard McConnell, Barry Hellewell.

Stupendous Week of Successes for Nick Wragg’s Clients

Nick Wragg’s dedication and masterful advocacy skills came to the fore this week with an amazing run of success, all in one week!

• A client charged with an allegation of arson with intent to endanger life, concerning the restaurant in which he worked, was acquitted when he explained to the Court that his employers had conspired to defraud their insurers by virtue of the fire in the restaurant. He was acquitted by the jury who applauded him! Gerry Mohabir of counsel represented the client in court.
• A youth client who was charged with a riot related offence of domestic burglary entered a plea of guilty to the lesser offence of criminal damage. The  prosecution were forced to withdraw the more serious charge as a result of Nick’s immaculate preparation and superb advocacy.
• A man of good character was charged initially with an allegation of ABH; the client adamantly denied any involvement. Nick discovered that the ID procedure was defective and the CPS offered to reduce the charge to common assault. Both Nick and the client refused, and insisted that the matter proceed to trial so that the client could defend himself. The CPS then discontinued the case without giving any further explanation. The client paid his costs privately and was then awarded a defendant’s costs order – he was delighted.

Terrific Confiscation Cases Results for Keith Wood

Keith Wood, our City Office partner, has again managed to secure settlements in two complex confiscation proceedings. In the first case, the defendant faced a second confiscation procedure for the latest 2011 offence, already having in existence an order from 2008. Using his forensic skills, Keith managed to successfully argue the point that the vast majority of lifestyle assets forming part of the second application had already featured in the earlier one, and that it was impossible to confiscate the same asset twice even though it remained in existence. After much argument the Crown agreed, and Keith asserted that Section 22 of PCA applied and that there should be only a small increase in the available amount from the original order. The newly identified assets were then restored with the original ones to enable family members to raise the small amount now required, thus saving complex, expensive and uncertain proceedings and a hidden assets argument.

In a second success Keith managed to again negotiate a favourable position in a complex tax credit fraud. The Crown had originally argued that the defendant’s benefit from his conduct amounted to over £850k and that he had hidden assets. Keith managed to demonstrate the true figure was significantly less and that the defendant could not possibly have hidden assets, given the detailed accounts which we had submitted. Settlement was therefore reached with the amount to be paid at just over £4,000.

Lewis Nedas & Co Instructed in High Profile Banking Fraud

Lewis Nedas & Co has been instructed in a high profile banking fraud and in a large scale mortgage fraud this week.

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