We have dealt with many scenarios where our clients have been accused simply because they are present at the scene and even if they knew what might be likely to happen, they did not take part.
We have dealt with many scenarios where our clients have been accused simply because they are present at the scene and even if they knew what might be likely to happen, they did not take part.
We have seen parents called out to the police station because their typical teenage son or daughter happened to be present when their friend armed with a knife went too far. A life lost and a life ruined by a lengthy sentence. A family who cannot understand why their child is no longer coming home until they are in their thirties. Often because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong persons.
The highest court in the UK, The Supreme Court today ruled that a person who is part of a group can’t be found guilty without proof that they intended that the offence should be committed. A prediction as to what someone else might do is no longer enough.
The Court of Appeal has made it clear that this ruling does not mean that everyone convicted in these circumstances in the past is not guilty. That ought not to prevent people asking their lawyers to consider whether there is an appeal.