Michael Lavery secures not guilty verdicts in intending to pervert the course of public justice trial

June 8, 2016

Michael Lavery from Exchange Chambers has secured not guilty verdicts for his client, Zoe Wilkinson, on two charges of doing an act intended to pervert the course of public justice.

Ms Wilkinson, 30 was on trial along with her partner, Richard Pendlebury, 42, a sergeant at Bury custody suite who has served in Greater Manchester Police for more than 20 years and has picked up two commendations – including one for bravery.  He was accused of stealing women’s clothes and food from Asda in Pilsworth, Bury, on September 19 2014.

The court heard the items were found in a children’s changing bag as Pendlebury left the store with Ms Wilkinson.

Pendlebury, who once fronted an anti-shoplifting campaign for Greater Manchester Police, was cleared of theft, conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and two counts of doing an act tending or intending to pervert the course of public justice.

The case received local media coverage.

Michael has an established, heavyweight and successful criminal practice which involves representing those accused of the most serious of offences including murder, fraud and large scale drug conspiracies. He has had involvement in a number of notorious cases. He has led for the defence and the Crown in countless cases.

Michael is a key member of the criminal team at Exchange Chambers.