Successful Application to Dismiss in S.18 GBH and Robbery case. Alex Shanks represented the defendant.

Case overview

Alex Shanks successfully represented an 18-year-old defendant charged with Section 18 Grievous Bodily Harm and Robbery, alongside three co-defendants, at Worcester Crown Court.

Prosecution allegations

The prosecution alleged that the defendant, aged 17 at the time of the incident, was part of a group who orchestrated a planned attack against a drug dealer, during which the complainant was stabbed multiple times and items were stolen from his person.

Defence and outcome

On behalf of his client, Alex pursued an application to dismiss on the basis that the prosecution evidence was insufficient for a jury properly directed to convict. The defence robustly challenged both the admissibility and reliability of the evidence relied upon by the Crown.

Following a fully contested application to dismiss hearing, the Judge accepted the defence submissions and dismissed the case against Alex’s client.

Alex was instructed by Yaser Taj of MI Solicitors.

About the barrister

Alex Shanks was called to the bar in 2022. He has a busy practice both prosecuting and defending across a wide range of offences including violence, drug related crime, sexual offences and driving matters.

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