Mark Ashley successfully represents client accused of Conspiracy to carry out Armed Robbery

Mark Ashley has successfully defended a woman who was one of nine co-defendants charged with Conspiracy to commit Armed Robbery. The target premises was Franses Jewelers of Bournemouth and over £650,000 worth of watches and jewellery was taken during the raid in March of 2019.

The gang that carried out the robbery travelled down from London, they used stolen motorbikes to ram the doors and make their escape afterwards.  Much of the event was captured by store and street CCTV and the main stay of the evidence brought by the prosecution took the form of telephone evidence, ANPR records and telematics relating to vehicles used during the preparation of the robbery.

Mark’s client was said to be providing an address to store the equipment used in the raid and a base from which to plan and carry out the robbery.  The trial lasted for 4 weeks before HHJ Parker QC at Southampton Crown Court.  She was acquitted by unanimous verdict; however, all other defendants were convicted, including her partner.  It is anticipated that some of those convicted will be sentenced to terms of custody in excess of 15 years.

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