Acquittals of Section 18 GBH, Section 20 GBH and Aggravated Burglary for Chloe Birch in the Youth Court

Chloe Birch’s client was charged with section 18 GBH after the complainant had been stabbed in the leg during the course of an aggravated burglary.

It was alleged that Chloe’s client had been one of a group who had entered the complainant’s house unannounced, with knives, stabbed the complainant in his bedroom and attempted to steal some items of clothing. The complainant and his partner had chased the group out of the estate car park with a machete. That chase had been caught on CCTV camera, the footage of which was presented at trial.

Chloe’s client had diagnoses of autism and an intellectual disability. He suffered from significant cognitive and communication difficulties. He had sensory sensitivities including tactile avoidance. He was supported with the presence of an intermediary throughout the trial, following a defence application.

17 at the time, he turned 18 years old during the proceedings.

Chloe’s client denied having been present in the incident. He did not give evidence at trial.

Having heard witness evidence from the complainant and their partner, CCTV footage, injury and forensic evidence, over two days of evidence, Chloe’s client was acquitted of all offences by the District Judge.

Chloe was instructed by Dharsh Lokaswaran of Bark & Co.