Acquitted of Robbery: Defence Secures Not Guilty Verdicts

The defendant faced a serious four-count indictment following an alleged home invasion and series of confrontations:

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Count 1: Robbery (Alleged theft of £200).Count 2: Possession of a Bladed Article in a Public Place (Knife).Count 3: Affray (Unlawful Violence).Count 4: Possession of a Bladed Article (Second count).

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The Robbery charge (Count 1) was the most significant, carrying the threat of a substantial custodial sentence of over 8 years due to the aggravating factors of entering a dwelling and the use of a weapon.

The prosecution alleged a harrowing sequence of events. It was claimed that the defendant initially approached the victim with a large knife, forcing him to walk with him. Two hours later, it was alleged that the defendant entered the victim’s home address with another male, demanding £200.

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The complainant stated he was forced to go to a friend's house and then to a cash point to withdraw money. When the card declined, the victim was allegedly punched, causing pain and discomfort. The incident concluded when police attended the scene after the suspect followed the victim home again. The prosecution painted a picture of a sustained campaign of intimidation and theft.

Trial Strategy: Severing the Charges

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The defence team, led by Fosia Jury and Advocate Nicole Steers, meticulously deconstructed the timeline of events. While there was evidence regarding the altercation (Affray) and the presence of the weapon, we vigorously contested the allegation of Robbery.

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The strategy focused on proving the lack of intent to steal and challenging the credibility of the narrative regarding the "demand" for money. We advised the client to enter a strategic Guilty plea to the lesser charge of Affray (Count 3) and the possession of the knife (Count 2), while strictly maintaining a Not Guilty stance on the Robbery (Count 1) and the second knife charge (Count 4).

Verdict: Acquitted of Robbery

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On 5 December 2024, the jury returned their verdicts. The defence successfully secured Not Guilty verdicts for Count 1 (Robbery) and Count 4 (Possession of Bladed Article).

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This was a critical victory. Instead of facing the 8+ year sentence mandatory for a dwelling robbery with a weapon, the defendant was sentenced only for the lesser admitted offences (20 months for Affray, 8 months for Possession). By defeating the Robbery charge, the defence reduced the potential sentence by approximately 70%.