Adam Furze successfully defends client charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent

Client Acquitted of Grievous Bodily Harm Charges

Adam Furze successfully obtained acquittals for his client, A, charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and causing grievous bodily harm without intent (charged in the alternative).

Details of the Incident

The complainant, who was aged 16 at the time, suffered two fractured vertebrae and a laceration to his head resulting in him being placed in an induced coma. A was seen on CCTV turning the complainant upside down and body slamming him to the floor landing headfirst. A was also seen kicking the complainant and picking him up again by his belt and throwing him to the floor. The complainant could not remember any of the incident because of his head injury.

Circumstances Leading to the Altercation

The incident occurred outside a fast-food restaurant ran by A in Southampton late at night. The complainant admitted being drunk and under the influence of drugs in cross examination when he entered the shop. A’s position was that the complainant was verbally abusive and customers told A that the complainant had a knife. A maintained that he did not have the necessary intention to cause grievous bodily harm and was acting in self-defence despite no knife being recovered and A being seen on CCTV pouring water over the pavement to remove the blood as the complaint lay unconscious on the floor.

Trial Outcome and Sentencing

A was of good character and was acquitted of all charges after a 3-day trial at Southampton Crown Court. He was sentenced to a conditional discharge for possession of a small quantity

Legal Representation

Adam was instructed by Sarah Barnard of Leonard Solicitors LLP.

About the Barrister

Adam Furze joined Chambers as a tenant in May 2025 having successfully completed a third-six pupillage with Chambers. He practices primarily on the Western Circuit and both prosecutes and defends.

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