We represented two children, aged 11 and 12, who were charged with offenses of violent disorder and burglary following a major incident in Halton Moor in November 2020. The police were called by a vulnerable victim reporting youths being verbally abusive and causing damage to their property and vehicles. Police were met by a large group congregating in the vicinity of the address, who were then confronted by members of the group being verbally and physically abusive to them. They were subjected to missiles, including bricks, fireworks, and street furniture, being thrown at them while attempting to carry out their duties.

Large-scale violence broke out, with 54 missiles being thrown at officers and vehicles, followed by a further 16 missiles being picked up by the groups chasing after the officers. The following day, police were met with roadblocks made from wooden planks with nails in them, strewn across roads in the area, and vehicles were set on fire. 16 defendants were identified by visually recorded evidence, namely CCTV and attending officers' body-worn evidence and witness statements. All were charged and appeared before Leeds Crown Court. Not guilty pleas were entered, and the case was listed for trial.

From the outset of the case, we challenged the identification evidence against our clients. This required a detailed analysis of the numerous hours of video footage in this case. As a result of our challenges to the identification evidence, the Crown reviewed the case and decided to offer no evidence against both of our clients two weeks before their trial was due to take place. This resulted in not guilty verdicts being recorded for all charges. This was hugely important for our clients because it means they remain of good character given their ages.

Our clients were represented by Patricia Walker and Michelle Stewart, and solicitor-advocates Philip Mahoney and Ed Youlton from our Leeds Crime Team.