1 MCB Chambers is pleased to announce that Bernadette Smith has been appointed as a Fee-Paid Judge of the First Tier Tribunal, sitting in the Immigration and Asylum Chamber.
Bernadette will sit part time whilst maintaining her practice at 1 MCB Chambers. She is a highly valued and Legal 500 ranked barrister who brings a wealth of experience and expert knowledge.
We are pleased to announce that Ranjeet Dulay successfully defended her client at Derby Crown Court, where the client was found Not Guilty after a lengthy trial. The case involved allegations of acquiring gifts and money transfers over a period of 8 years.
Ranjeet’s client stood trial alongside his wife, who was convicted of fraud and false accounting. The overall value of the fraud exceeded £1.4 million, making this a highly complex and high-stakes case.
Ranjeet Dulay was instructed by Nigel Misson of Foys Solicitors.
If you wish to read more about this story please follow the below link to the Derbyshire Times article posted about this case.
https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/news/courts/pictured-bookkeeper-who-stole-ps14m-from-chesterfield-bosses-splashing-out-on-next-and-amazon-shopping-cars-luxury-holidays-and-home-improvements-4809161
The defendant faced trial at Maidstone Crown Court for Aggravated Burglary. The prosecution’s case alleged that he had broken into the complainant’s home, armed with a knife, and attempted to inflict grievous bodily harm. The case relied heavily on recorded statements made by the defendant at the time of his arrest.
Tetevi applied to exclude this evidence on the grounds that it had been obtained in serious violation of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) Code of Practice. Specifically, this related to the failure to caution the suspect before questioning him about the offence, improper conduct during interviews, and the denial of the suspect’s right to legal representation. He argued that these breaches were especially serious and prejudicial, given the defendant’s vulnerability.
Following the judge’s expression of concern regarding how the evidence had been obtained, the prosecution reviewed the matter and subsequently offered no evidence, resulting in a Not Guilty verdict.
Instructed by Leah Parkes of Reeves & Co.
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.
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.
1MCB is currently inviting applications for probationary tenancy from candidates with experience of conducting a wide range of hearings. We are a multidisciplinary set with an ongoing commitment to access to justice for all members of the community and, as a testament to our work, 1MCB has several members ranked in the latest edition of the Legal 500. Chambers was also awarded “Outstanding Set for Diversity and Inclusion” at the Chambers UK Bar Awards 2021.
Candidates will primarily be expected to cover Chambers’ criminal work during their probationary tenancy and should have at least six months’ experience, including summary trials and Crown Court advocacy. There will also be scope for civil work, and candidates will be expected to cover civil hearings, such as family and immigration hearings with necessary support.
Probationary tenants will be allocated a supervisor and will benefit from ongoing support throughout their time with us. As a probationary tenant, you will have the benefit of a positive and collaborative working environment and the opportunity to build a multi-disciplinary practice alongside established and well-recognised practitioners. It is expected that probationary tenancies will last for a minimum of six months, after which candidates will have the opportunity to apply for tenancy within Chambers.
Applicants should email a CV and covering letter to Tenancy@1mcb.com. There is currently no deadline for this position. We will remove the advert from the website once we have recruited up to four suitable candidates.
1MCB is committed to the equality & diversity code for the Bar. We particularly encourage and welcome applications from African, Asian and other minoritised groups, women and persons with disabilities.
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
