Sarah Memmi, instructed by Karlie London of Hine Solicitors, represented BT in a 8-day trial. BT faced one count of being concerned in the supply of cocaine, having pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis with intent to supply it, and to simple possession of MDMA. The Crown alleged that BT was running a class A drug line for a period of several months and relied on cell site and telephone evidence, drugs messages, as well as the evidence of a drugs expert. The defence contended that BT was a drug dealer of cannabis but a user of class A drugs including crack cocaine. Karlie promptly instructed a drugs expert and a hair strand test expert who gave evidence for the defence. The case largely revolved around different possible interpretations and conflicting expert evidence. Sarah also successfully opposed an application to adduce particularly damaging evidence of bad character, and successfully applied to exclude other evidence on which the Crown sought to rely.
BT’s legal team worked hard against numerous hurdles arising from the prosecution’s approach, in particular an application to amend the indictment on the first day of the original listing for trial which substantially changed the elements of offence to be proved and therefore the trial strategy. This led to Sarah’s successful application to vacate the trial, as well as Karlie’s persistent follow up requests for disclosure which were initially resisted. Ultimately, the requested evidence was largely provided and any materials either not disclosed or investigated were the object of criticism by Sarah in cross-examination and in her closing speech.
The jury returned a unanimous verdict of Not Guilty after deliberating for less than an hour.
Related barristers: Sarah Memmi
Related practice areas: Crime
