Garry Green KC’s client acquitted of murder after 4-week trial at Inner London Crown Court

Following a 4-week trial at Inner London Crown Court Garry Green KCs’ client was acquitted of murder. Garry’s client was the wife of the co-defendant, both were charged with murder arising from fires set at two separate multi-occupancy residential properties on one night. The defendants had a dispute with the landlord after they alleged that he had unlawfully evicted them.

CCTV evidence showed the couple purchasing petrol from two petrol stations. They were also captured on doorbell footage approaching the properties and pouring the 5 gallons of petrol inside the porch area before setting them alight. At the first property all but one resident escaped the fire.  That resident was in his room. He suffered burn injuries and was overcome by smoke which resulted in his death.  At the second property, set alight 20 minutes after the first, all residents managed to escape.

The prosecution alleged that the defendants’ actions were such that must have intended to endanger life and cause at least really serious harm. They knew multiple residents lived at the addresses; that there were no fire safety measures at either address  and that they must have seen the clearly visible lights on at each address at 7pm in the evening.   The jury rejected the prosecution case and acquitted Garry’s client of murder and arson intending to endanger life.

Garry was instructed by Daniel Obi of AC Gilead Solicitors Limited and led Ashitey Ollennu at Redemption Chambers.