After a three-day trial at Salisbury Crown Court, Edward Armitage secured an acquittal for his client, who had been charged with non- fatal strangulation.
It was alleged, upon the discovery of an alleged affair, that an argument took place between the defendant and his wife in their marital home. The complainant had snatched the defendant’s phone from his hand to investigate the alleged affair, whereby it was alleged by the Crown that whilst the defendant attempted to retrieve his phone, that he grabbed the complainant’s neck and strangled her. The defendant wholly denied the accusation.
Edward challenged the complainant’s account, who had alleged that the defendant strangled her with his hand. Edward also cross-examined the defendant’s 15-year-old son, whose account greatly differed. The son alleged that the defendant strangled the complainant by placing her in a headlock. Edward invited the jury in his closing speech to return a not-guilty verdict, given the substantial and significant differences in accounts of the prosecution witnesses.
The jury returned a not guilty verdict after less than 90 minutes of deliberations.
For further information about Edward’s practice, or to instruct him, please contact Tony George, Senior Criminal Clerk, on 020 7353 0711 or via email: clerks@pumpcourtchambers.com.
