Prosecution offer no evidence following service of abuse of process argument

Omran Belhadi represented AP, a young man of good character charged with several offences of dealing Class A drugs. AP was 17 at the time of the alleged offences. His mother had raised concerns about criminal exploitation before his arrest. AP relied on the defence of modern slavery under s.45 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. The defence served a report from a psychologist, a report from a modern slavery expert and medical records which proved AP had his jaw broken in the months after his arrest.

The defence made written representations to the CPS which went unanswered. Omran drafted and submitted an application to stay proceedings as an abuse of process, arguing the CPS had failed to follow its own guidance on the prosecution of victims of criminal exploitation. Omran argued there was no evidence to disprove AP’s claims and it was not in the public interest to prosecute him.

Following receipt of the application, the prosecution offered no evidence.

Omran was instructed and expertly assisted by Ellie Bird at HJA Solicitors incorporating Birds Solicitors.