R v Yi

This case involved serious allegations of robbery, possession of a bladed article, and affray arising from violent incidents in Birmingham. Our client faced four charges and entered mixed pleas. Through strategic legal representation, we identified the most defensible elements of the prosecution's case while providing thorough mitigation for other counts. The case concluded on 5 December 2024.

The incident began when the defendant followed the victim and approached him with a large knife, trying to force the victim to walk with him. The victim managed to escape. Around two hours later, the defendant and another male entered the victim's home and demanded £200. They forced the victim to go to a friend’s house to borrow the money.

After the victim obtained the money, the defendants made him attempt a card payment, which was declined. They then punched the victim, causing lasting pain. The victim went home, but the defendant followed him again. Police attended the scene and arrested the defendant shortly after.

The defendant faced four separate charges:

• Count 1: Robbery of £200 – Pleaded not guilty.
• Count 2: Possession of a Blade in a Public Place – Pleaded guilty. The sentence was 8 months imprisonment.
• Count 3: Affray – The plea was changed to guilty. The sentence was 20 months imprisonment.
• Count 4: Having an Article with a Blade or Point – Pleaded not guilty.

Affray involves the use or threat of unlawful violence that would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for their personal safety.

Our criminal defence team, led by Solicitor Fosia Jury, represented the defendant at Birmingham Crown Court. We worked with Solicitor Advocate Nicole Steers to provide comprehensive legal representation throughout these serious violent crime proceedings. Our strategy involved a careful assessment of the prosecution's case for each charge.

We identified the robbery and second bladed article charges as the most defensible elements. For the charges where the client ultimately pleaded guilty—possession of a bladed article and affray—we prepared detailed mitigation. These submissions focused on the defendant's personal circumstances and other factors to influence the court's sentencing decision.