Exchange Chambers barristers secure acquittals after highlighting disclosure issues

February 7, 2018

Barristers from Exchange Chambers have secured acquittals for their clients after highlighting disclosure issues in a conspiracy to evade excise duty trial.

The defendants were accused of playing a role in a conspiracy to evade excise duty on diesel fuel, including the sale of laundered red diesel to the public from three service stations in the Midlands and North West.

Charlotte Kenny’s cross examination of investigating officers led to a realisation on the part of the Crown that there were fundamental disclosure problems in their preparation of the case, while Stephen Grattage led the cross examination of the Officer in the Case which revealed the depth of the failings.

Following the collapse of the trial, His Honour Judge Trevor-Jones refused the Crown’s application to adjourn and Not Guilty verdicts were returned against all defendants.

Charlotte Kenny was instructed by Laurence Lee & Co Solicitors while Stephen Grattage was instructed by Sean Sexton from MSB Solicitors. Both are members of the criminal department at Exchange Chambers.