Katie Spence secures a hat trick of acquittals
Second six pupil barrister, Katie Spence, has secured three acquittals in her first few weeks of practice.
R V W- W was charged with section 4 POA. The prosecution applied for an adjournment on the morning of trial which was opposed by Katie Spence. The trial proceeded and the prosecution offered no evidence.
R V W- W was charged with common assault and assault of an emergency worker. After successfully opposing a res Geste application made by the Crown due to the non-attendance of civilian witnesses the prosecution offered no evidence to the first charge. Katie Spence made a half time submission of no case to answer in regards to the second charge of assault emergency worker. This was accepted by the magistrates who agreed with Katie that the defendant did not have a case to answer.
R V H- H was charged with drug driving. Following disclosure issues raised on the day of trial the prosecution applied for an adjournment. Katie Spence opposed this application on the grounds that the prosecution had failed to comply with their duties and the trial should proceed. This application for an adjournment was unsuccessful. The prosecution offered no evidence and the client was found not guilty.