Hossein Zahir KC leading Helen Butcher acted for JR, instructed by Keshina Bouri of Russell Cooke Solicitors. James Scobie KC leading Jade Gambrill of LF Law acted for EM, instructed by Phaedon Georgiou of Joseph Hill Solicitors. Tom Wainwright acted for KS, instructed by Steve Bird of Birds Solicitors.
Following a ten week trial at the Central Criminal Court, in relation to a shooting in Ealing in July 2024, five defendants were acquitted of all counts. JR and EM were charged with murder and possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life. KS was charged with possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life and perverting the course of justice.
The prosecution alleged that JR and EM, together with another defendant, shot the deceased in a revenge attack for an assault which had taken place earlier that night. It was then said that they passed the gun used in the shooting to their associate KS, who was seen on CCTV footage passing a bag to another male who was arrested two days later in possession of the firearm and ammunition used in the murder. The Crown’s case relied on detailed cellsite and telephone evidence, calls made by the defendants from prison and CCTV including footage of the shooting itself. Following thorough and scrupulous analysis of the evidence and unused material, the defence teams rigorously dismantled the case against each of their clients and the jury returned Not Guilty verdicts on all counts.
The Garden Court Chambers Crime team regularly defend individuals charged with the most serious offences. We have a strong presence at the Central Criminal Court, where our barristers are instructed on a daily basis. The team is ranked as a leading set in the Legal 500 and Chambers UK Bar Guide.
