Gunman found not guilty of murder, attempted murder, and possession of a firearm with intent

A jury at Birmingham Crown Court yesterday returned verdicts acquitting Lawrence Morgan of all charges after a gunfight in the city centre in August 2020 in which a young man, Naasir Francis, was shot and killed. Mr Morgan admitted collecting a loaded revolver and discharging it accidentally then in lawful defence of another: By their verdicts, the jury accepted his account, and he remains to be sentenced for his admitted possession of the firearm. The Prosecution claimed that Mr Morgan was liable for the death of his friend Naasir at the hands of others by way of the little-used route found in the Supreme Court case of Gnango. Two co-defendants were convicted for the killing of Mr Francis.

Joel Bennathan QC defended Lawrence Morgan, leading Danielle Cooper, instructed by Maslen Merchant of Hadgkiss, Hughes and Beale.