February 20, 2024
Felicia Davy leading Joanna Hardy-Susskind have concluded proceedings that related to a then 16 year old, and three co-defendants, accused of a double conspiracy to murder by shooting.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired to murder two individuals by twice discharging a shotgun at them. The shots were said to have missed their targets but to have struck the front door of a dwelling.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants were variously linked to the ‘drive by’ vehicle from which, they contended, the shots were fired. They further sought to place the first two defendants inside the car as shooter and driver respectively at the time of the shooting.
Submissions were advanced at the close of the prosecution case that the evidence was deficient. The trial judge found that there was insufficient evidence to establish the defendants were inside the vehicle at the material time or that the remainder of the evidence could establish to the requisite standard that they were parties to the conspiracies particularised on the indictment.
It was held that there was no case to answer for any defendant, on any count.
The defendants were therefore acquitted of conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm, conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of ammunition with intent to endanger life.
Felicia and Joanna were instructed by Natalie Darko of Edwards Duthie Shamash solicitors.
