On her first day on her feet, Shona successfully defended in R v H, a Newton Hearing for an Assault by Beating offence which took place in South London earlier this year. The District Judge determined the factual basis in favour of the defendant, concluding he had only kicked the complainant once to the legs, not twice to the chest nor had he threatened to stab the complainant with a knife.

Consequently, the Judge was persuaded that the offence did not cross the community order/custody threshold, that full credit for the defendant’s early guilty plea was to be maintained and in light of the defendant’s personal mitigation, the appropriate sentence to impose was a fine.

For further information on Shona’s practice, or to instruct her, please contact Tony Atkins, Senior Clerk or Tony George, Senior Criminal Clerk on 020 7353 0711 or via email: clerks@pumpcourtchambers.com.