GT Stewart were instructed in the case of a prisoner serving an indefinite sentence who had been convicted of assault on 3 prison officers following a trial in the Magistrates Court. The conviction had serious consequences for the defendant, whose progress through the prison system and towards release on parole was effectively halted by the conviction.
A solicitor-advocate employed by GT Stewart was assigned conduct of the case. Following interventions by this solicitor-advocate, CCTV which had previously been described as “lost” was disclosed. The solicitor-advocate was also able to trace and interview an eyewitness to the incident who had not been spoken to by the police during their investigation. GT Stewart made arrangements for that witness to testify at the appeal.
After a two-day hearing before Sheffield Crown Court, the appeal was upheld and all three convictions were quashed.
