A Fight for Mental Health Support Instead of Jail Time For Murder Charges

Mr. B suffered from schizophrenia, a severe mental illness, with symptoms including hallucinations and psychosis. This resulted in multiple bouts of hospitalisations, in various mental health hospitals. His childhood was rough, and his grandmother was aware that he was struggling with mental illness as a child, though she could not accurately name it. The victim’s body was found after Mr. B was accused of starting a fire in the room. During the offence, he was suffering from severe psychosis, and was unaware of the consequences of his actions at the time.  

After his grandmother contacted us to fight against the murder charges, our murder solicitors immediately sprang to action to uncover the truth and ensure our client’s rights were protected. They closely and meticulously analysed all evidence submitted by the prosecution, including CCTV footage, body worn camera footage, and statements from hospital staff and other patients who witnessed the event. Furthermore, our criminal defence solicitors worked closely with our client’s doctors, and worked with an outside psychiatrist to gain an objective, unbiased opinion from a doctor who wasn’t affiliated with our client.  

After reviewing our client’s medical history, working with psychiatrists, and speaking to his grandmother, our criminal defence solicitors determined that our client was mentally unfit to attend the trial. During the offence, he was suffering from severe psychosis – which meant that he was unaware of the consequences of his actions, and of what he said to the police after the event and most important is that he had no intent to commit murder.  

During the trial, our murder solicitors pushed forward a detailed and empathetic legal defence, arguing that our client was struggling with severe mental illness, and has been dealing with this his entire life. Furthermore, the pressure and stress he felt was worsened due to the presence of police officers, firefighters, and paramedics – which meant that his testimonials are not accurate or objective.  

Moved by our defence lawyers’ arguments, the judge realised that a prison sentence would only harm our client and would not provide any justice or restitution. The judge moved to provide a rehabilitation order instead, instructing our client to stay in the hospital, to access the medical treatment he crucially needed.  

Suffering from an illness that impairs your judgement can be extremely difficult to live with, especially when criminal matters are involved. If you or someone you know is in a similar situation, please don’t hesitate to contact us now. We’re here to help defend your rights and protect your interests.  

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