Significant acquittal in armed robbery trial – Sean Minihan defending

Introduction

Sean Minihan obtained an acquittal for a man charged with both robbery and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. Helen Ahmet from SVS Solicitors was the instructing solicitor in the case, playing a key role in the defence strategy.  The charges stemmed from an incident in which the defendant was allegedly involved in a robbery using a replica firearm.

The Robbery Incident

The incident began when the defendant, along with an accomplice, followed a car into a private gated residential area. As the victim’s car stopped to activate the electronic gates, the robbers jumped out of their vehicle. Armed with an imitation Glock pistol, they threatened the victim with violence, claiming they would shoot, and subsequently stole the victim’s car. This set the stage for a police investigation that would later result in the defendant’s arrest.

The Police Pursuit

Approximately an hour after the robbery, the police spotted the stolen car and pursued it, with the chase being filmed by both police officers on the ground and a police helicopter. The defendant admitted to driving the stolen car but denied any involvement in the robbery. During the chase, he crashed the car and attempted to flee on foot. The helicopter footage captured him discarding various items of clothing, including a balaclava, gloves, and shoes.

The Police Raid

After the defendant fled, he was tracked to a nearby house, which was quickly raided by armed officers. Inside the house, police found a jacket they claimed matched the one worn by one of the robbers. Additionally, a search of the crashed stolen car revealed the imitation Glock pistol, complete with a laser sight, which had been used in the robbery.

Conclusion

Despite the evidence presented by the prosecution, Sean Minihan was able to demonstrate his client’s innocence in the robbery. The jury accepted the defence’s argument that the defendant had no involvement in the earlier robbery, resulting in his acquittal on all charges.

About the Barrister

Sean Minihan was called to the bar in 1988. He is a specialist defence barrister instructed in serious, complex and often high profile cases.

To instruct Sean, please contact his clerks, Ryan Bartlett, David Cox or Amie Harris on 020 7404 1881.