Quentin ensures case is dropped by CPS for investment banker charged with Assault

Mr OO was at his local supermarket doing his weekly shopping when he had a problem with the self-service checkout till. Upon contacting staff, he found the member of staff that he dealt with to be unnecessarily aggressive and confrontational. Words were exchanged and matters eventually descended into a physical altercation with punches being thrown on both sides.

OO was adamant that he had done nothing wrong, he maintained that he always acted in self-defence and that he had been under attack by the member of staff at the supermarket. The prosecution case was that OO had lost his temper and he was the person responsible for attacking the member of staff.

OO was charged with assault by beating contrary to s39 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988. He worked in the City of London as an investment banker and is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, so he understood that any criminal conviction may jeopardise his successful career and therefore his livelihood. With this in mind, OO chose to instruct Quentin Hunt, a Criminal Defence Barrister with extensive experience in defending professionals whose careers are on the line when faced with allegations of criminal misconduct. Quentin was instructed without a solicitor on a direct access basis.

Upon taking over the case Quentin was quick to contact the Crown Prosecution Service (“CPS”) to gain disclosure of all of the materials in the case. Although the CPS had not initially disclosed in a closed-circuit television footage from the supermarket, Quentin was insistent that such footage should be provided. Eventually, footage was gained from the CPS, and Quentin made representations that the case against OO was weak and could not result in a successful conviction. The CPS were invited to discontinue the case against OO. The CPS were adamant that they would continue the case against OO and the matter went to court and was fixed for a trial date. In advance of the trial, Quentin worked closely with OO in order to prepare the case for the Defence and put forward evidence of both a factual and character nature that would demonstrate to the court that OO was not guilty of the offence charged.

Despite preparing for trial, Quentin did not give up on trying to persuade the Crown Prosecution Service not to continue the case against his client. This persistence paid off. The afternoon before the trial was due to proceed, Quentin received notification from the CPS lawyer in charge of the case that they had reviewed the case and that the matter would be discontinued. This was due to the fact that there was insufficient evidence to gain a conviction.

Quentin immediately informed his client who was delighted that he did not have to go through the trial process and did not face jeopardy in respect of a potential career ending conviction. Quentin was able to make an application for costs from central funds to go towards meeting the costs of OO’s defence.

Many professional individuals face disproportionate consequences if convicted of criminal offences. This can often involve sanction by their regulators, and potentially being struck off or barred from practising their chosen profession. This can have disastrous consequences on the individual's career and livelihood. Quentin Hunt is an experienced criminal defence barrister who specialises in dealing with cases for professional individuals who face profound consequences if convicted of criminal offences. Quentin appreciates the pressure that such proceedings can place upon a client and conducts his cases accordingly. Quentin will always try to get the cases against his clients discontinued and will fight to the end to attempt to achieve such aims.

If you face criminal investigation or Court proceedings in respect of a criminal offence you may contact Quentin for a free, no obligation discussion about how he can assist in your case.