Child acquitted of murder & manslaughter

David Rhodes, together with Brenda Campbell QC (Garden Court Chambers), secured not guilty verdicts for S, a 15 year old child, charged with murder and manslaughter at Isleworth Crown Court. 

The jury was unanimous in accepting S’s case that he was acting in self-defence when he fatally stabbed another youth, during an incident in a park in which S was outnumbered and encircled by a group of older youths and men.

The trial which lasted 8 weeks had everything. S had complex mental health needs and was assisted throughout the trial by an intermediary. The main Prosecution witness - the leader of the deceased’s group - absconded for a week after giving evidence in chief. The Crown even applied to discharge the jury whilst they were in retirement.

David Rhodes was led by Brenda Campbell QC of Garden Court Chambers and instructed by Jude Lanchin of Bindmans LLP.