Category: News

We are pleased to announce that Derek Barry successfully secured a not guilty verdict for a mother accused of child abduction following a seven-day trial at Worcester Crown Court.

The case involved complex international legal issues, as the defendant had left the UK with her child on the very day a court order was issued preventing her from doing so. The mother was arrested by Greek border control after driving across Europe in an attempt to enter Turkey with her child. Following a protracted extradition process, she stood trial for child abduction in the UK.

Despite the judge directing the jury that the defendant’s lack of knowledge of the court order could not be used as a defence, Derek Barry was able to secure an acquittal for his client. This verdict is a testament to Derek’s outstanding advocacy and legal expertise in handling this challenging case.

Derek was instructed by Sean Reilly of Lewis Nedas Solicitors, and we extend our thanks to all involved in achieving this successful outcome.

Derek Barry successfully obtained a unanimous not guilty verdict for his client in a complex, 9-day robbery trial at Isleworth Crown Court.

The case involved five young men accused of participating in a serious robbery, which was suspected to be gang-related, targeting a lone juvenile. After careful deliberation, the jury returned guilty verdicts for all co-defendants. However, Derek’s client was the only defendant acquitted of the charges, securing a full acquittal in what was a high-stakes and closely-watched trial.

This outcome underscores Derek’s meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to defending his clients.

Instructed by Sheraz Chowdhry from TSABI Law

1MCB Chambers is proud to announce that a number of our members have been recognised in the latest edition of the Legal 500 for excellence in their practice areas. Their inclusion in this prestigious directory highlights their consistent dedication to excellence and proven track record of delivering results in often complex and high -profile cases. Their recognition not only reflects their individual talents but also strengthens our reputation as a chambers.

Crime – Leading Junior Tier 2

Salma Lalani – 1MCB ‘Salma is an excellent junior. Her preparation is meticulous and she is wonderful with clients. Salma has a keen eye for detail, her advice is always tailored and helpful, and her advocacy is well-considered and effective.’  

International Human Rights and Criminal Law – Leading Junior Tier 2

Iain Edwards – 1MCB ‘Iain possesses formidable advocacy skills, employing razor-sharp questions, honed from meticulous preparation and expert intuition. He is very knowledgeable as concerns international criminal law and procedure. His French fluency and familiarity with the need to tailor advocacy to cultural specificities places him at the forefront of practising counsel in this field.’

Immigration including Business Immigration – Leading Junior Tier 2

Bernadette Smith

In a trial lasting nine days at Croydon Crown Court, involving serious allegations of rape, sexual assault, and stalking, David Langwallner successfully secured a Not Guilty verdict on all three counts. The case presented complex issues, including ongoing disclosure challenges and reluctant witnesses, yet despite these obstacles, a favourable outcome was achieved.

Instructed by David Nicholson from Dobson solicitors

The Defendant and his Co-Defendant faced allegations of commercial fraud, forgery and money laundering. The case involved an international investigation.

There were substantial disclosure failings which resulted in legal argument and ended in the acquittal of both defendants.

Mr Rustom and Ms Dulay of 1MCB acted for the defendant and were instructed by Farooq Zoi of Central Chambers Law

The human rights NGO Reprieve recently instructed Tetevi Davi to provide a legal opinion to its Middle East and North Africa (MENA) team on the legality of the death penalty under international law. As well as dealing with the legality of the death penalty broadly, the Opinion examined cases where the families of executed persons are not informed of the time and place of their executions as well as scenarios where their bodies are not returned to their families following their executions.

The Opinion is being used by Reprieve as the basis for a submission to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions.

The Defendant and his co-defendant stood trial on an indictment alleging Rape and causing a child to engage in sexual activity. The defence involved a total factual denial of the prosecution case. The trial at Inner London Crown Court lasted 12 days at the of which both defendants were unanimously acquitted.

Mr Rustom was instructed by Rachel Oakley of Reeds Solicitors of Leighton Buzzard.

In R v FA at Woolwich Crown Court on the 6th June 2024  David secured an acquittal on a charge of intentional strangulation. The Jury were hung on charges of coercive behaviour and intimidation but after representations from David the Crown decided not to seek a retrial on those charges.

Instructed by David Nicholson from Dobsons

The defendant was part of a two-handed Importation of drugs (Cocaine) from Jamaica to Heathrow Airport. Both defendants were charged  with Importation of Class A drugs with street value of £720,00 and our client was acquitted of all charges.

Counsel was instructed by Sheraz Chowdhry from TSABI Law

The defendant’s main charge was Attempted Murder which allegedly took place against his former partner in Southeast of London (Woolwich) where the victim was attacked at knife point and beaten up. He was allegedly armed with two knives where he attacked the victim and intended to kill or to cause grievous bodily harm. The victim received wounds to the face and head.

His defence at trial was that he denied being in possession of any knives and only relied on self-defence.

After a seven-day trial at Woolwich Crown Court, the defendant was unanimously acquitted of all allegations.

Mr Fessal was instructed by Emmanuel Udu from Dorian & Co

The Defendant, a young man with no previous convictions, was charged with two offences of possessing identity documents with improper intention (a false passport and biometric residence permit). He was also charged with fraud by falsely representing to his employer that he was entitled to reside and work in the UK when his visa had expired. The fraud was valued at approximately £50,000.

His defence at trial was that, prior to his arrest, he had not seen or been in possession of any false identity documents. He had arrived in the country from West-Africa as a minor and met a man on the street who had arranged employment for him. It was advanced that this man, without his knowledge, used his genuine identity documents to create false documents showing an incorrect age and indefinite leave to remain status and sent these directly to the employer. He further denied knowingly making any representation to his employer that was untrue about his right to work and that he had acted dishonestly.

After a four-day trial at the Inner London Crown Court, the Defendant was acquitted of these charges. He was released from custody on the same day.

Tetevi was instructed by Linda Onyechi of Titan Solicitors.