Sham Marriage Acquittal

Unan Choudhury represented a woman accused of conspiracy to facilitate the entry of non-EU citizens into the UK by virtue of sham marriages.

She was acquitted after the CPS withdrew proceedings having received detailed legal representations drafted by Unan and Martin Lewis of Castle Chambers.

Acquittal at Maidstone Crown Court

Another success for Unan Choudhury: he defended an individual of East European origin who, along with another, faced charges in Maidstone Crown court of affray and ABH.

Both men raised self defence and stated that in fact they had been threatened and racially abused by the “victims” who had entered their property. Eve Macatonia of 2 Dr Johnsons Buildings represented the defendant who was unanimously acquitted by the jury.

Respected Gun Dealer Largely Vindicated In Second Test Prosecution

Laura Saunsbury acted again for Sportsman’s Association General Secretary Mike Wells, a well known figure in the shooting community. The second trial, which finished on 23 September 2011, followed another trial in November 2010 where Mr Wells was acquitted of two firearms offences when he transferred a rifle as a Registered Firearms Dealer to his rifle club.

In the ten day trial at Kingston Crown Court, which began on 12 September 2011, Wells was prosecuted for five offences under section 1 and section 5 of the Firearms Acts. The two most serious charges, which carried a mandatory five year prison sentence, were stayed by the Judge due to the skilful abuse of process application brought by Defence Counsel Nick Doherty.

The additional three counts concerned whether Mr Wells had correctly sold a ‘two shot’ self loading ‘pistol’ to several of his customers, each of whom had authority on their firearm certificates for such a pistol for the humane dispatch of animals. The Court heard expert evidence from a number of eminent witnesses. In dismissing some of the Crown’s central arguments on which they based their case, Recorder Ian Gatt QC, decided that a pistol supplied with a ‘two shot restricted magazine’ equated to a two shot pistol. The Prosecution had brought the case on the much wider basis that a self-loading pistol could not be restricted at all, and a two shot magazine gave you a three shot pistol, as you could put a further round in the chamber. Both of these suggestions were rejected as matters of law by the Judge.

However in his summing up to the Jury, the Judge directed that as a matter of law the restriction of the magazines should have some degree of permanence. This was to take account of public safety concerns, although it had been established during the trial that there was nothing in the law or the Home Office guidance that any permanent restriction was required. In accordance with the Judge’s direction the jury was to return a verdict of guilty if the restriction could be reversed without ‘specialist knowledge or specialist tools’. Given the facts of the case the jury returned a verdict of guilty, but asked for a statement to be read out, saying that they would have found the defendant not guilty, if it were not for the Judge’s narrow ruling on the point.

Mr Wells was given a conditional discharge on each of the three counts and was awarded half of his defence costs, due to the other two counts being stayed as an abuse of process. The Judge made the observation when sentencing Mr Wells that there did seem to be an element of “perhaps over-zealous supervision” of Mr Wells from his local firearms licensing team.

Overall the outcome of this case was overwhelmingly a victory for common sense and safe shooting practices. This was due in no small part to Laura Saunsbury and Defence Counsel Nick Doherty, both having such a detailed knowledge of firearms legislation, guidance and practice, and to their thorough preparation of the case.

Yet another Acquittal for Jeffrey Lewis

Jeffrey Lewis represented a highly respected and well known UK businessman who was accused of committing a fraud against a London Local Authority thirteen years ago!

After making detailed requests for disclosure and representations to the CPS, the allegation (which our client robustly denied throughout) was dropped on the day of trial.

Our client was represented by the stupendous Alex Healy QC (Bell Yard Chambers) and the brilliant Jamie Carr (4 Breams Buildings).

Senior Partner Interviewed on BBC Radio

Jeffrey Lewis was interviewed on BBC Radio 5 Live (Investigates) on 13 November 2011, along with Tom Watson MP about the subject of phone/computer hacking and private investigators.

Listen to the full podcast from the BBC Radio 5 Live website.

Lewis Nedas opens specialist off shore tax investigation sub-dept

We currently act for a number of individuals facing COP9 inquires AND/OR criminal investigations as a result of HRMCs aggressive policy towards off shore bank account holders, especially those with accounts in Switzerland and Swiss HSBC.

These are serious complex investigations with enormous consequences if not handled efficiently by experts.

We work with highly respected tax accountants to ensure early and favourable resolution of such matters.

Contact JEFFREY LEWIS and/or SIOBHAIN EGAN

HMRC Aggressively Pursue Recruitment Campaign for Tax Prosecution Lawyers

Following their recent enhanced and even more aggressive prosecution policy, HMRC have advertised that they are now recruiting large numbers of tax prosecution lawyers to help them put this policy into effect.

If you are facing such a tax investigation/prosecution contact Jeffrey Lewis or Siobhain Egan.

List of Worst Countries for Bribery and Corruption

Transparency International lists the worst twenty-eight countries in the world for bribery and corruption.

See a recent article from BBC News website.

This makes it all the more important for companies doing business in these countries to consult specialist solicitors to advise on anti-bribery measures.

This is governed by UK criminal legislation, and criminal lawyers are the best lawyers to consult in this situation.

Contact Jeffrey Lewis or Siobhain Egan.

Stunning acquittal at the Old Bailey

Danny Barnard, one of our excellent in house advocates was instructed by the very able Sam Corcoran to represent an individual charged with wounding another using a kitchen knife. The client raised self defence, stating that the alleged victim had stolen from him in the past and had entered his property with the same intent and had behaved so aggressively towards the defendant that he felt that he had no choice other than to brandish the knife. The victim stumbled and fell onto the knife which wounded his cheek. He was unanimously acquitted by the jury.

Are you the leaseholder of a flat?

We have noticed a substantial increase in inquiries relating to applications under the Leasehold Reform, Housing & Urban Development Act 1993. More flat leaseholders are applying to extend their leases by a further 90 years and substantially increase the value of their property. In these uncertain economic times it is the correct thing to do.

It is however a very technical process and you would be best served to consult experienced specialist lawyers to assist you.

Contact Richard McConnell and/or Barry Hellewell

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