We represented a client who had been charged with offences of possession of a bladed article and possession of cannabis. Our client was stopped by the police on a moped which the police believed had been stolen. They were detained for the purpose of a search and the officers found a knife inside the bike box. Our client was also in possession of a small amount of cannabis. Whilst our client accepted that the cannabis belonged to them, they denied all knowledge of the knife.

Initial proceedings

At our client’s first appearance, we made representations that there was insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction. Despite this, the Crown Prosecution Service maintained that they would be proceeding with the case against our client. Our client therefore entered a not guilty plea and elected a Crown Court trial.

At our client’s Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing, we informed the Court that we intended to make an application to dismiss this charge against our client. The Court subsequently adjourned our client’s case so that the application could be made.

CPS offers no evidence

Shortly after our client’s Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing, the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that they would be offering no evidence. A not guilty verdict was subsequently recorded and our client was sentenced to a 6 month conditional discharge for the offence of possession of cannabis.

Our client was represented by Sabrina Neves, Solicitor in our Croydon Crime Team and in Court by Timothy Fulford, Counsel from 5 Pump Court. Sabrina and Timothy were greatly assisted by Uju Akutu, a Paralegal in our Croydon Crime Team.