An interview Rod Johnson KC had with his ex-colleague and friend Rob Rinder in the large conference room in Chambers is featured in the first episode of the documentary Rob Rinder : The Crime I Can’t Forget and will now be broadcast on Monday 8th June at 9pm on Sky’s Crime & Investigation Channel (139).
It can also be viewed on PrimeVideo, Sky Glass &Stream( 142 ) and Virgin Media ( 133 ). It may also be available on line through the Crime & Investigation streaming service and associated platforms (e.g.YouTube, crimeandinvestigation.co.uk.
Rod led Rob for the Defence in a brutal and shocking murder case at Liverpool Crown Court in 2007 ( the killing of Lucy Hargreaves by shooting and burning ) and Rod’s cogent legal submissions at the close of the Prosecution case persuaded the Recorder of Liverpool HH Judge Henry Globe QC ( as he then was ) to rule in a lengthy judgement that he had to direct the jury as a matter law to bring in a verdict of not guilty. The Prosecution case was flawed and the evidence was simply insufficient against the defendant Kirk Bradley after Rod had picked apart the Prosecution witnesses in cross-examination. – Rod was able to demonstrate that the evidence in fact pointed not so much to his client but rather to another criminal as the perpetrator who had a more proximate motive.
The programme centres on the effect of the case on Rob and his conscience, with the victim’s family not achieving closure from the case, although Rod and his junior Rob both were clear that the Judge’s decision was the right one. The police plainly disagreed. The programme highlighted the rise of organised gun crime in Liverpool over the 80s and 90s and thereafter.
Anthony Metzer KC acted as legal consultant on the programme.
Related barristers: Roderick Johnson KC – Joint Head of Chambers
