Mr. L had attended the Notting Hill Carnival, one of the largest street festivals in the world, with a group of his friends and was subsequently stopped and searched at the carnival, a common practice by the police to ensure safety due to the event’s scale. During the search, an officer discovered Mr. L in possession of a bladed article, specifically a llock knife, alongside over £300 in cash and a few grams of cannabis, a controlled drug. Following this discovery, Mr. L was arrested for possessing a bladed article among other offences and taken to the police station for further questioning.
Upon contacting us regarding the charge of possession of a bladed article, our defence lawyers immediately sprang into action to investigate every aspect of this case. This included scrutinizing the legality of the arrest related to the possession of a bladed article and evaluating whether the stop and search procedure, leading to the charge, was conducted in a thorough procedural manner. Our lawyers promptly requested all evidence from the police and the prosecution concerning the possession of a bladed article – including interview recordings, to assess the legality of the interview and if our client, who was under 18 at the time, was treated fairly. During our criminal defence solicitors’ investigation into the possession of a bladed article, they discovered that our client was, in fact, a victim – the items were forced into his hands, and he was holding them under duress. As our client had previously been a victim of the Modern Slavery Act, he was significantly troubled by these events and was unable to react appropriately to the situation involving the possession of a bladed article.
Faced with the accusation of possession of a bladed article, our criminal defence solicitors immediately submitted the evidence collected from his previous case, along with witness testimonies, character statements, and our client’s own statements to prove his innocence in the matter. During the trial, our defence lawyers employed skillful and empathetic legal strategies to highlight his victimhood in the context of the possession of a bladed article charge. The jury, moved by our overwhelming evidence and ruthlessly determined strategies, immediately acquitted him of all charges.
Being falsely accused of a crime, such as possession of a bladed article, especially if you’re below 18, can have severe consequences on your future. If you or someone you know is in a similar situation, please contact us now. We’re available 24/7, and are here to help defend your rights and protect your interests. Call us today for a free no-obligation consultation.