Imran Shafi QC and Alexandra Sutton secure Not Guilty to Murder verdict

January 13, 2022

Imran Shafi QC and Alexandra Sutton from Exchange Chambers have secured verdicts of not guilty to murder, attempted murder and s.18 wounding with intent for their client MM after a three-week trial at Preston Crown Court. MM drove to the house of the deceased and her husband and repeatedly struck both to the head with an axe.

MM accepted causing the death of the wife and causing injury to her husband but advanced the partial defence of ‘loss of control’.

MM relied upon the fact that the victims’ son had carried out a protracted campaign of threats, abuse and harassment against him and his family culminating in the tragic events of that day.

The jury unanimously returned verdicts of not guilty on the charge of murder, not guilty on the charge of attempted murder, and not guilty of the alternative charge of wounding with intent. MM had previously entered guilty pleas to manslaughter and to s.20 grievous bodily harm.

Imran and Alexandra were instructed by Shahid Choudhry and Heena Kauser of Middleweeks Solicitors.