Trinity Criminal and Regulatory barrister, Sophie Johnstone successfully secured the acquittal of her client charged with an assault of a police officer during an arrest.
In advance of the trial, the Prosecution sought to rely on body worn footage that had not been served on the defence previously. Sophie successfully argued for the evidence to be excluded under Section 78 PACE 1984.
The trial involved extensive cross examination of a police officer regarding the use of force on the defendant whilst arresting her. In all the circumstances of the arrest, it was submitted that the use of force was not reasonable or proportionate; it was excessive. The trial also centred around the causation of injuries to the officer and whether such were caused by the defendant intentionally or whether the injuries simply occurred during the forceful arrest.
Upon conclusion of the trial, Sophie’s client was acquitted and retained her good character.
Sophie was instructed by Blackfords LLP.
Trinity's Criminal barristers deal with a wide range of instructions involving allegations of violence, covering all matters from Magistrates through to Crown Court. Contact the Criminal Clerking Team for further details.