All charges discontinued for youth after successful representations

Leah Connolly and Katie Lobo successfully challenged a CPS decision to prosecute a young client facing proceedings for two offences.

Our client, a 15 year-old male, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled drug and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. It was alleged that he had been stopped in a car and found with cannabis resin and a knuckleduster. Our client accepted being in possession of a knuckleduster, but did not realise this would be considered an offensive weapon. He denied having cannabis resin.

Upon reviewing the case, we felt the CPS had not provided enough evidence to successfully prosecute our client, and believed the second charge should be dealt with by way of an out of court disposal as he had made an admission. We submitted written representations on this basis.

In response to our representations, the CPS confirmed they agreed with our submissions and as a result, the drugs charge was discontinued and an out of court disposal was issued for the offensive weapon.  

Due to our representations, our young client avoided prosecution and a criminal conviction.