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Acquitted in 6 minutes in a re-trial for conspiracy to possess a firearm

04/10/2024

Stephanie Panchkowry secures unanimous acquittal in a re-trial after 6 minutes of jury deliberations.

The case centred on 7 Snapchat messages between the defendant and co-defendant, where the co-defendant asked if the defendant had a gun.

At the time, the defendant was on remand for attempted murder and firearm offences. Whilst on remand, he had a mobile phone.

The Crown’s case was that there was a clear agreement evident from the messages in response – ‘I got it but I need a way to buss it to you’. The defence case was that the defendant was advertising cannabis for sale via Snapchat, having fallen into debt in prison. There was an earlier discussion between the parties about supplying cannabis, which had been deleted due to the 24 hour automatic deletion setting on the mobile phone. The messages in response related to discussions about supplying cannabis, not a firearm.

In addition to the messages, the Crown relied on a 6 minute phone call that the defendant made to a member of a gang to which the defendant had been associated, alleging that this concerned obtaining the firearm; the gang having access to firearms.

Bad character of the defendant was adduced of gangs and a previous conviction relating to attempting to throw cannabis and mobile phones over a prison wall, prior to him being remanded.

Stephanie previously secured not guilty verdicts on attempted murder, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, possession of an offensive weapon, conspiracy to possess a firearm and conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm with intent after a two month trial. After being acquitted, the defendant remained in custody pending his trial and subsequent re-trial for this matter. He was finally released from custody yesterday, having spent the last three and a half years on remand.

Stephanie was instructed by Jonny Tyson of Henscott Solicitors.

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