Trinity Criminal and Regulatory barrister, Shada Mellor recently secured the acquittal of a former Head Teacher, Darren Gamble, accused of a £12,775.84 fraud.
The prosecution alleged that Mr Gamble in his position as Head Teacher used school funds to purchase personal items. The prosecution produced a schedule containing more than 60 items which they said were those purchased using school funds but were not for the benefit of the school.
Many of the items were electronic devices and a central issue in the trial was the capabilities of individual items. Shada conducted a highly technical and lengthy cross-examination of the prosecution's Information and Communication Technology Engineer on the devices’ capabilities and networking. Further, Shada was able to show clear deficits in the police investigation. The jury at Teesside Crown Court swiftly returned a not guilty verdict for Shada’s client.
Shada was instructed by Craig Hunn of Thompsons Solicitors.
Press coverage includes: