Offer of No Evidence in s.18 grievous bodily harm

Our client was alleged to have armed himself with a crowbar before attacking his brother’s roommates. The complainants had been in dispute with our client’s brother for some time prior to the incident, particularly in relation to their sexual orientation and the presence of their dog in the flat.

Following a heated exchange, the complainants alleged that our client’s brother had told them that our client would come round to sort them out, and subsequently both our client and his brother entered the flat armed and assaulted them. Both complainants suffered head wounds, while our client and his brother were not seriously harmed.

Our client told us that his brother had merely invited him over for a meal, and he knew nothing of any dispute between him and the complainants. He entirely denied bringing a weapon or assaulting anyone. He said that upon entering the flat he had suddenly been assaulted by the complainants, who had armed themselves with a crowbar and a broomstick. He had then acted in self-defence.

On the first day of trial one of the complainants confessed that he had lied in his previous statements, and in fact they had been the ones who armed themselves. As a result the prosecution offered no evidence to our client or his brother.

Lorena Lowen represented in this case. She was assisted by Hugo Cheema-Grubb. Alex Matthews of 9BR Chambers was instructed.