GT Stewart Client Found Not Guilty of Drive-By Shooting
We represented a teenage client who was charged with murder, two counts of attempted murder, and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. Following an eleven-week trial at the Central Criminal Court, he was unanimously acquitted of all charges.
Background
A mother of two was shot outside a Pentecostal church in Willesden, north London on 14th December 2024 during a large memorial gathering. She had been among about 100 mourners, including children as young as five.
At around 9pm, a black Kia pulled up as guests were outside and shots were fired into the crowd. The mother died at the scene. Two other individuals were also injured, one of whom suffered life-changing paralysis.
The intended target was said to have been a rapper called Trapstar Toxic.
The Allegation
Our client was alleged by the prosecution to have been in the Kia when the shots were fired and according to the prosecution most likely was the shooter.
However, he denied being in the car and told the jury that he had remained on a council estate in Wembley when the shooting had occurred.
The Defence Case
The defence case was one of mistaken identity, as our client maintained he had no knowledge of the shooting. We therefore submitted that he was not one of the three men alleged to have travelled in the Kia to Willesden to commit the offences.
Preparation for the case involved detailed analysis of the prosecution evidence, including phone and cell-site data, gunshot residue, ballistics and CCTV footage. Careful consideration was also given to recordings made when booking taxis in support of our client’s case.
We instructed a number of experts, including Intermediary Amanda Lynch and Stuart Banks of Digital Forensics Consultancy.
Outcome
Following an eleven-week trial before Mrs Justice McGowan DBE at the Central Criminal Court, the jury unanimously acquitted our client of all charges. Two of the four men accused were found guilty.
Our client was represented by Supervising Solicitor, Claire Dissington who instructed in house barrister, Adrian Rohard and Giles Cockings KC of Garden Court Chambers.
Read the BBC report on the sentencing here.