Richard Littler QC and Andrew Smith secure only acquittal in OCG murder trial

January 21, 2022

Richard Littler QC leading Andrew Smith, both of Exchange Chambers, secured the only acquitted in a Salford OCG murder trial concerning the stabbing of a vulnerable drug addict whose home was being “cookooed” by that group.  Cuckooing is when drug dealers take over someone’s home to store or pack drugs for onward sale.

The 17-year-old defendant represented by Richard and Andrew, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was acquitted of both murder and manslaughter.

The two co-accused – Jacob Cookson, 18, and another 17-year-old boy – were unanimously convicted of murder.

The trial lasted six weeks and took a surprise turn when Andrew Smith agreed to step in to deliver the closing speech for the defence as Mr Richard Littler QC was forced to self-isolate following a positive Covid test. Sentence for the other two defendants has been adjourned.

Richard and Andrew were instructed by David O’Reilly Solicitors in Salford.