GT Stewart today achieved an acquittal for D, an Army Corporal with the British Army, at Inner London Crown Court.
D was charged with possessing an article with a blade, namely a multi-tool comprising a blade with ‘locking’ mechanism, and was due to stand trial on 26 November 2018.
D had always strongly denied the allegation on the basis that he had a ‘good reason’. Part of his defence was that he was attacked by a male on the evening of his arrest; this male was later convicted at the magistrates’ court of threatening D.
A man of impeccable character, over 15 years’ service with the British Army and a recipient of the Queen Jubilee Medal, D faced the prospect of being discharged, and potentially being sent to prison, if convicted. During the proceedings, GT Stewart submitted written representations to the CPS, arguing that it was not in the public interest to prosecute D.
On the first day of trial, the prosecution finally conceded and offered no evidence against D. When making the announcement in court, the prosecutor highlighted the extensive evidence served by GT Stewart in support of D’s defence.
A formal ‘not guilty’ verdict was recorded and D is now able to continue his service with the British Army.
D was represented by Kevin Williams at our City of London Office, and by Ravinder Saimbhi of 33 Bedford Row Chambers at trial.
