Case Details
Case Overview
This case involved serious allegations of conspiracy to burgle, conspiracy to steal a motor vehicle, and conspiracy to disguise criminal property. Our client faced three separate conspiracy charges alongside co-conspirators. Through a careful assessment of the evidence, we provided realistic advice which led to guilty pleas. The case concluded with the court imposing a Community Order and a Deprivation Order, avoiding immediate custody.
Situation
The defendant was arrested at his home address by police officers who were investigating a series of organised crimes. He faced allegations of conspiring with others to commit burglary at residential properties, steal motor vehicles as part of a coordinated scheme, and disguise or transfer a stolen motor vehicle to conceal its criminal origin.
The case was made more complex by the defendant's extensive criminal history. He had 71 previous convictions for similar offences, including burglary, theft, and robbery. This background was a significant factor for the prosecution and the court to consider in this conspiracy case.
Charges
The defendant faced three complex conspiracy charges:
- Count 1: Conspiracy to Burgle – Conspiring with two others to enter a dwelling with intent to steal.
- Count 2: Conspiracy to Steal a Motor Vehicle – Conspiring with others to steal a motor vehicle.
- Count 3: Conspiracy to Disguise, Convert or Transfer Criminal Property – Conspiring to launder a stolen motor vehicle.
Initially, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all counts. However, following our legal advice regarding the strength of the prosecution's case, he later changed his pleas to guilty on all three charges.
Our Approach
Our criminal defence team represented the defendant at Worcester Crown Court, working closely with Defence Barristers from St Philips Barristers. Our strategy involved a meticulous assessment of the prosecution’s evidence for each of the three conspiracy charges. We provided clear and realistic legal advice, taking into account our client's 71 previous convictions.
We guided the defendant through the complex decision-making process, explaining the benefits of changing his pleas to guilty in light of the evidence against him. Upon entering guilty pleas, our focus shifted to preparing detailed mitigation submissions to present to the judge at sentencing, arguing for a sentence that could be served in the community.
Outcome
Following the defendant’s guilty pleas to all three conspiracy counts, the court imposed a Community Order with specific requirements and a Deprivation Order. The Community Order is a community-based sentence that allows the defendant to serve his sentence while adhering to strict conditions, providing an alternative to immediate imprisonment. The Deprivation Order related to the stolen motor vehicle.
Despite our client's significant criminal history, securing a Community Order was a positive outcome that reflected the strength of our mitigation and strategic advice.
