Richard Davies’ client found not guilty regarding high-value stolen laser scanners

The case involved serious allegations of allegedly receiving high value stolen laser scanners and then trying to remove them out of the jurisdiction to Egypt. Following 4 days of trial at Isleworth Crown Court, Richard Davies was able to obtain unanimous verdicts of not guilty for his client.  Richard was instructed by Rebecca Field at Hodge, Jones and Allen.

Prosecution’s Evidence

The prosecution’s case relied on the short time period between the goods having been stolen in a targeted theft in which the victim’s car was followed and the defendant having been at Heathrow airport trying to remove them from the UK. The goods were targeted from their owners who were a land surveying company. The prosecution further relied upon the large difference in value between the retail value of the scanners at £90,000 and the defendant’s claim that he had purchased them for £10,000 from someone he trusted from various markets as well as device tracking data.  

Defence Case

The defence compared the cell site data in the case to the tracking data with the laser scanners to support the defendant’s account in interview as to his movements and the movements of the goods. Phone message evidence was examined to try and show why the defendant believed the sale to him was a legitimate one.

Through the shrewd efforts of the instructing solicitor, Rebecca Field, the defence were also able to obtain witness evidence from Egypt to explain the legitimate onward sale of the goods into the construction industry in North Africa.

Verdict and Conclusion

Ultimately, the jury returned unanimous not guilty verdicts.  This case highlights the importance of a detailed review of the Crown’s evidence and the obtaining of further defence evidence to present a counter narrative.

About the Barrister

Richard Davies was called to the bar in 2013. Richard’s practice encompasses the full range of criminal cases including murder, in which he has acted as junior Counsel for the defence, armed robbery, sexual offences, serious violence and drugs related matters.

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