Erim Mushtaq and Harriet Johnson represent client acquitted for conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent following a three-month trial at Newcastle Crown Court 

Erim Mushtaq led Harriet Johnson representing, HK, in a complex case involving nine defendants, five of whom had a trial. The client, initially arrested for conspiracy to murder, was alleged to have played a key role in conveying a firearm from Oxford to the Northeast, where the firearm was discharged towards a gang rival of one of the co-defendants. The prosecution’s case was that the defendant was involved in a sophisticated conspiracy which spanned several months and involved alleged gangs from London, Oxford and Newcastle, Gateshead, and South Shields.

The prosecution relied on comprehensive cell site evidence, multi-disciplinary telephonic evidence, including a detailed analysis of call data records, sequencing, and past patterns of usage, surveillance evidence as well as eyewitness evidence as part of its case. 

The case involved a three-way cutthroat defence, involving two co-defendants (one of whom required an intermediary during the giving of his evidence) who were in the car with the client when he was alleged to have transported the firearm across the country. Issues involving bad character, admissibility of antecedents and police intelligence arose throughout the trial because of the cutthroat defences. As part of the defence case of HK, a separate sequence of events document was prepared and relied upon which included evidence the prosecution sought to exclude, which was vital to demonstrate that the defendant’s lack of knowledge and participation in the wider conspiracy. 

HK was the only defendant to be acquitted. 

Erim Mushtaq and Harriet Johnson were instructed by Bob Dynowski from Edwards Duthie Shamash Solicitors, in London. 

Media Coverage: Chronicle Live