Edward Armitage secures acquittal for Defendant charged with assault

Pupil barrister, Edward Armitage, secured an acquittal for a 19-year-old, female client at Poole Magistrates’ Court, who had been charged with assault by beating.

It was alleged that upon arriving back at a flat in Bournemouth after a night out, the Defendant attacked her ex-partner (the complainant) multiple times during an hour-long domestic incident. Specifically, the complainant alleged that the Defendant had kicked him in the head and on his legs, as well as punching him in the face. The Defendant gave evidence with the assistance of an intermediary, asserting that she had acted in self-defence.

After extensive cross examination by Edward of three prosecution witnesses, namely the complainant, an additional witness at the flat, and the arresting police officer, the Magistrates returned a not guilty verdict. They found the complainant’s evidence was not credible and that he had restrained the Defendant against her will.

Edward was instructed by Mark Hensleigh of Preston Redman Solicitors.