Share:

Court of Appeal Quashes “Manchester 10” Conspiracy to Cause GBH Conviction

In a landmark ruling, the Court of Appeal has overturned the conviction of an aspiring law student who had previously spoken in Parliament, bringing a protracted legal battle to an end. This pivotal judgment followed a two-day appeal hearing in December 2024, during which JUSTICE, a leading cross-party law reform and human rights charity, intervened to address issues of public interest and systemic bias. The introduction of fresh evidence—combined with the incisive arguments presented by JUSTICE—proved decisive in securing the appellant’s freedom.

JUSTICE’s Intervention

JUSTICE’s intervention was led by Dr Tunde Okewale OBE, who, in collaboration with Oliver Mosley, produced comprehensive written submissions that exposed the flawed evidence and racial stereotyping underpinning the conviction. Their work drew critical attention to:

Racial Stereotyping

The prosecution’s reliance on the “money phone” and a drill music video as evidence of gang affiliation fostered harmful racial biases and criminalised cultural expression.

Misuse of Police Evidence

The case relied on unqualified police officers serving effectively as expert witnesses, falling short of the evidentiary standards required for fair trials.

Adultification

Although the appellant was only 17 at the time of the alleged offence, he was treated as an adult in terms of culpability, without sufficient consideration of his age, impulsivity, or vulnerability.

The judgement also highlighted the disproportionate impact of joint enterprise laws on Black and ethnic minority defendants. Notably, the presiding judge cautioned:

“It is vital in any case to avoid the unfair stereotyping of individuals, based on their race, as members of gangs.”

Legal Teams

Counsel for the Appellant, Ademola Adedeji

Keir Monteith KC and Audrey Cherryl Mogan of Garden Court Chambers

Instructed by Zachary Whyte and Ruby Breward of Sperrin Law

Third-Party Intervention: JUSTICE

Significant contributions from Dr Tunde Okewale OBE and Oliver Mosley

Additional Support

Tommy Seagull and Elena Papamichael of Garden Court Chambers

Led by Arlette Piercy of 25 Bedford Row and instructed by Ghislaine Sandoval for Martin Thomas

Collaboration and Impact

This case underscores the critical role of independent interventions in advancing justice and confronting systemic inequalities within the legal system. JUSTICE’s collaboration with Clifford Chance proved invaluable: the firm’s expertise and unwavering commitment to pro bono work significantly bolstered the intervention, ensuring a robust presentation of key issues before the Court of Appeal.

Dr Okewale’s contributions—supported by teams at JUSTICE and Clifford Chance—demonstrate the transformative impact of focused advocacy on behalf of marginalised communities. By challenging flawed evidence and calling out racial and procedural biases, this intervention sets a powerful precedent for future cases, emphasising the importance of fairness, equality, and the rule of law.