‘Tenacious defence team’ and abuse argument ends trial in county lines drugs case

Andrew Price’s client was acquitted at the close of the Prosecution case when the Crown decided to offer no evidence.

Andrew’s client was alleged to be part of the ‘Tango’ and ‘Fanta’ lines that were operating in Kent in 2020. A number of disclosure requests were made pre-trial, and even at the close of the Prosecution case, there were matters of non-disclosure outstanding. An abuse argument was served concerning the disclosure failings and material failings in considering the modern slavery defence.

The Prosecution decided not to seek a conviction any longer. In doing so, the Prosecution resisted any criticism of their conduct but said we ‘don’t dispute this decision hasn’t come about because of a tenacious defence team’.

The defendant was found not guilty by the jury at Canterbury Crown Court on the direction of the Judge, and released from custody.

Andrew was instructed by Natalie Berman, a Partner of Edward Fail, Bradshaw & Waterson Solicitors, London.