Gerwyn Wise was instructed by Sarah Robertson of Birnberg Peirce to act for one of three defendants
Following a three-week trial at the Inner London Crown Court, the jury unanimously acquitted Gerwyn’s client of attempted murder and wounding with intent after two hours.
The Crown alleged that Gerwyn’s client, aged 21 at the time of the incident, was part of an armed group that carried out a ‘vicious and frenzied’ attack at a West London train station. The incident, which was reported in the media, was said to have focused on a gang rival who was stabbed several times with a large machete in an attempt to murder him.
Gerwyn successfully limited the extent to which the prosecution could place drill lyrics and rap music created by his client before the jury. The defence instructed leading drill lyric experts Dr Yusef Bakkali and Dr Brian McShane to produce a comprehensive report in which they outlined the consequences of using this type of “cultural expression” as evidence in criminal proceedings and reflected on academic research suggesting that it frequently led to “racialised criminalisation”. Following focused written and oral submissions, Gerwyn persuaded the Court to restrict the use of this material. His client was found not guilty of all charges in 2 hours.
Gerwyn was instructed by Sarah Robertson of Birnberg Peirce.
Gerwyn’s book ‘A Practical Guide to the law in relation to Gang Evidence and Drill Lyrics in Criminal Proceedings’ is out now.
- Order your copy here.
- Sign up to attend the book launch, Friday 20th March
