Charlie Myatt secures attempted murder conviction at Peterborough Crown Court

Conviction and sentence

Charlie Myatt, instructed by Cambridgeshire CPS, secured the conviction of a defendant for attempted murder following a two-week trial at Peterborough Crown Court. The defendant was subsequently sentenced to 24 years’ imprisonment.

Evidence relied on by the prosecution

The defendant attacked his former partner following the breakdown of their relationship, using a homemade electrical device before stabbing her repeatedly in the head. During the attack, he threatened that he would rather kill her than allow her to leave him. The prosecution relied on evidence including internet searches relating to death by electrocution carried out by the defendant shortly before the attack, and the discovery of a makeshift grave concealed beneath the floor of the garden shed.

Trial issues and expert evidence

The case involved a successful application to proceed in the defendant’s absence after he initially refused to attend court, claiming serious mobility difficulties. CCTV footage obtained from the prison undermined those claims and the application was granted, following which the defendant attended for the remainder of the proceedings.

The prosecution called expert evidence from a forensic pathologist and a firearms expert concerning the injuries sustained by the victim and the nature of the homemade electrical device used in the attack.

About the Barrister

Charlie Myatt was called to the Bar in 1993. He prosecutes and defends. Charlie is instructed in cases of a serious and often complex nature including homicide, serious sexual offences and large drugs conspiracies. Within the last year or so he has been instructed as sole counsel and as leading counsel in cases of murder.

To instruct Charlie, please contact his clerks, Steve McCarthy, Ryan Bartlett or Amie Harris on 020 7404 1881.