Crime Team blog: this week in Chambers

Nigel Edwards QC instructed to defend the Principal Defendant by Eric Watson & Joseph Watson of Watson Woodhouse Solicitors. The case has been reported in the media: BBC

 

Paul Williams & Nermine Abdel-Sayed secure bail for a client allegedly involved In an international, multi-million pound money laundering case involving some 11 Defendants. Instructed by Teagy Grover of MTG Solicitors.

 

Edward Lucas is preparing for his next case. Rape and sexual assault of an 85 year old woman in her home. Case is next before Southwark Cc on 14 July 2020. The Defendant has previous convictions of a similar nature and the issue of dangerousness is at large. The complainant is since deceased.

 

Nichola Cafferkey secured a 30 month sentence at Guildford Crown Court for offences of arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence and multiple offences of making indecent images [categories A, B and C]. Miss Cafferkey was instructed by Siobhain Egan of Lewis Nedas Law.

 

Sharmila Salvi secured a community order for a Defendant in respect to a fifth knife offence conviction. Instructed by Leona Brown of Tuckers Solicitors.

 

Ravinder Saimbhi secures an 18 month conditional discharge at WGCC for a client charged with wounding with intent, wounding and affray. Prosecution agreed to pleas to affray from him and co-d. Instructed by Kevin Williams of GT Stewart.

 

Ayesha Smart successful in High Court appeal on behalf of a defendant who was convicted after trial for breaching a restraining order.

 

Daniel Walker secured a 2 year sentence at Guildford Crown Court for a Defendant charged with two counts of Possession with Intent to Supply Class A drugs (Cocaine and Heroin) in a 'county lines' case. Daniel was instructed by Mohammed Ally and Ian Milson of HAL Solicitors.

 

Representing a defendant at Aylesbury Crown Court, Mohammed Saqib, successfully secured a 4-month suspended sentence for dangerous driving. The Defendant was involved in a police car pursuit through a residential area, whilst having no insurance or a driving licence, which resulted in a crash. The Defendant carried previous convictions for driving offences. ​Mohammed was instructed by Chris Thompson of OWN Solicitors.

 

There has been positive signs that slowly but surely we'll be getting back to normal soon. I am pleased to report that we've had a trial fixed at Isleworth Crown Court for 6 July 2020, and one at the Central Criminal Court for 7 September 2020. I must say, on my part, I am slightly relieved as we have quite a few barristers itching to get back to court!

I hope everyone is keeping well.

 

Jamie Smurthwaite

1st Junior Criminal Clerk