Acquittal for affray

Louise Willocx defended a man with serious mental health issues who was accused of swinging a large kitchen knife and a hammer around and threatening another man to slit his throat. Following just one hour and a half of deliberating, the jury acquitted him.

Louise’s client, who had severe mental health issues, had been released from a mental hospital without any form of support of supervision. He had been placed in a run-down HMO (house in multiple occupation), which was filthy and frequented by squatters. This unsuitable placement exacerbated his paranoia, leading to conflicts with other residents. One of those conflicts escalated in an allegation that he had swung a knife and a hammer at one of them and threatened to kill them. 

However, Louise pointed out that the prosecution evidence in relation to this allegation was contradictory and weak. She also highlighted that the witness’ evidence came across as exaggerated. This persuaded the jury to acquit the defendant of the affray after a brief period of deliberation. 

Louise was instructed by Rebecca Field of Hodge Jones & Allen.