GT Stewart Solicitors represented HM, a 16 year old of good character charged with offences of affray and possession of an offensive weapon. It was the prosecution’s case that HM and two other young people armed themselves with weapons to fight another group of young people. At HM’s first appearance at Croydon Youth Court, we made representations to the prosecution that they should not prosecute HM for either of the offences as they had insufficient evidence to prove their case. They agreed not to proceed with the offence of affray but changed the offence of possession of an offensive weapon to one of possession of a bladed article. HM pleaded not guilty to this offence.

We subsequently made further written representations to the prosecution that the item in question did not amount to a bladed article in law. After considering our representations, the prosecution discontinued the case against HM and he retained his good character.

HM was represented by Sabrina Neves of our East Dulwich Office.