Trinity Criminal and Regulatory barrister, Sophie Johnstone was recently instructed as junior counsel led by Simon Russell Flint K.C. representing their client charged with manslaughter.
After a 9-day trial at Teesside Crown Court, Sophie’s client was unanimously acquitted after 48 minutes.
The case involved the alleged infliction of a single blow to the stomach of the deceased. Causation remained a live issue and the defence of ‘rough horseplay’ was ventilated; whether the infliction of force was consented to by the deceased, such rendering it lawful or otherwise, and whether the defendant had any intent to cause injury.
Sophie was instructed by Eric Watson and Emma Williams of Watson Woodhouse Solicitors.
Press coverage:
Sophie regularly defends allegations involving serious violence, drug related offending and serious sexual allegations.