Sarah Elliott QC and Sarah Vine secure acquittals in multi-million pound drugs conspiracy prosecution

Simon McGuffie, alleged by the Prosecution to be at the head of a conspiracy to supply millions of pounds worth of Class A drugs to organised criminal gangs across the North West, was acquitted of all counts today. The original trial in November had collapsed as a consequence of serious failings in prosecution disclosure. The jury for the retrial, who had listened to the Prosecution opening speech over two days, were discharged after questions raised by the Defence made it clear that the disclosure process was so compromised that Mr. McGuffie could not have a fair trial. The Prosecution offered no evidence on all counts against Mr. McGuffie at Manchester Crown Court.

Sarah Elliott QC and Sarah Vine were instructed by Rhona Friedman at Commons Solicitors.