Clea Topolski KC and Tasmin Malcolm's client acquitted of murder.

Clea Topolski KC (leading) and Tasmin Malcolm secured an acquittal for murder following a long running, multi-handed trial at the Old Bailey. Clea and Tasmin were instructed by Fiona Saunderson and Stephen Tosswill of Toswill & Co.

Their client was one of three convicted of manslaughter, but acquitted of murder and double attempted murder, in the trial that ran from January to June of this year. Four other defendants were convicted of murder and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.

The Prosecution case alleged a drug motivated execution, which involved significant planning and the carrying of numerous weapons. On 9 February 2023 the deceased was travelling in a Mini Countryman with two others when they were lured to a drug deal on a residential street. Once there, the vehicle was rammed by a Landrover Freelander, containing four of the Defendants, rendering the mini disabled. Three men then disembarked from a second car and fired four or five shots from at least one shotgun into the vehicle, one of which struck the deceased’s chest area, causing fatal injury.

The sentences imposed ranged from life sentences with mandatory terms of 29-33 years for those convicted of murder and between 9-12 years imprisonment for manslaughter. Clea and Tasmin were able to secure the lowest tariff of all seven Defendants for their client.

More information can be found on the BBC website HERE