Andrew Hall KC’s and Pippa Woodrow’s client unanimously acquitted at end of six-week murder trial

The Crown alleged that SG (then 26) had participated in a murderous group stabbing near the Angell Town estate Brixton in August 2020. Immediately prior to the attack the deceased, Salem Koudou, had chased and stabbed people in Angell Town with a large machete as part of a planned and unprovoked “ride out” with gang associates. During the six-week high-security trial at Woolwich Crown Court the jury were shown evidence that SG joined a group chasing Mr Koudou away from Angell Town. Members of the group were seen on CCTV engaging in a knife fight Mr Koudou who was eventually cornered and stabbed 32 times.

SG denied participation in the murderous attack. Preparation and presentation of his defence involved extensive requests for, and consideration of, unused material in order to conduct detailed CCTV analysis. This resulted in compilation of defence graphics bundles for the jury produced by junior counsel, and detailed cross-examination of the Crown’s technical expert. The case also involved complex legal arguments in relation to the admissibility of verdicts returned in other trials, hearsay evidence and gang evidence.

Andrew Hall KC and Pippa Woodrow were instructed by Jeffrey Muhammed of Amosu Robinshaw Solicitors. As well as assisting the conduct of the case at trial Mr Muhammad, along with Pippa Woodrow, undertook an extensive site visit involving compilation of important images and measurements vital to the defence case.