Cross-examination of two police officers halts prosecution before the Crown close their case. Anisa Kebbati for the defence.

Background

Anisa Kebbati represented the defendant in a case concerning allegations of assault on two police officers, the use of unreasonable force, and self-defence.

The alleged incident and charges

The defendant was charged with two counts of assaulting two police officers.

In June 2025, police stopped the defendant for what initially appeared to be a traffic stop. Whilst engaging with the officers and answering their questions, the defendant attempted to call his partner. The officers observed the defendant make the phone call.

Mid-way through the call, the officers decided that he was not allowed to speak on the phone and used physical force, which included deploying PAVA spray, to detain the defendant who was already sat in the back of their marked police vehicle.

The officers made allegations that the defendant bit each of them during the incident, with one officer stating that the defendant bit his thigh and the other stating that he was bitten on the hand. The defendant was subsequently arrested.

In his interview, the defendant raised the issue of self-defence and asserted that the officers used unreasonable force. The defendant was charged and the matter was listed for trial.

Prosecution evidence

The evidence relied upon by the Crown included statements from the two officers, photographs of the bite marks and police body worn video (“BWV”) covering the incident and the defendant’s arrest.

Cross-examination and trial developments

At trial, Anisa carefully cross-examined both officers at length on several significant inconsistencies between their witness statements, evidence-in-chief and BWV. Through cross-examination, Anisa highlighted that both officers used unreasonable force and that the defendant was acting in self-defence.

Immediately after this evidence, the prosecutor informed Anisa that he would no longer proceed with the trial.

In court, the prosecutor explained that the Crown would offer no evidence on both charges as there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction. The prosecutor stated that the evidence given by the officers in court was entirely contradictory to the BWV and there was no justification for the force used by the officers.

Outcome and resolution

The entire case against the defendant was dismissed and he was able to retain his good character. Anisa was instructed and assisted by Ellie Bird at top London firm Hodge Jones & Allen.

About the barrister

Anisa Kebbati was called to the bar in 2022. She became a member of Drystone Chambers in October 2025 following the successful completion of her pupillage.

To instruct Anisa, contact her clerks Ryan Bartlett or Amie Harris on 020 7404 1881.