Chloe Birch Appeals Youth Conviction for Vulnerable Teenager

Chloe Birch was instructed to represent a young vulnerable teenager in an appeal against conviction for a child who had been found to have a bladed article with them when stopped by the police.

Chloe’s client suffered psychological trauma from both his exploitation and his dealings with the police in the preceding months. Having barricaded himself and his mother into the home address fearing for their lives, he had subsequently been sectioned following dealings with police who attended the property.

Having reviewed the original trial case, Chloe collated correspondence between the child’s family and Sussex Police, social services records following his placement into voluntary social care, and expert psychological evidence. These were served within comprehensive written representations setting out clear evidence of a section 45 defence and application to the ‘Four Stage Test’. Following the original conviction, however, the Crown remained determined to proceed with the appeal in the face of this evidence.

Following written argument by Chloe challenging the incorrect application of the law under section 45 Modern Slavery Act 2015 to the decision to prosecute, the Crown indicated that they would no longer oppose the appeal and the appeal against conviction was allowed in full.

Further to an application made by the defence, an intermediary had been granted for the assistance of Chloe’s client throughout the appeal proceedings, but thankfully he was not required to give evidence.

Chloe was instructed by Pelin Mehmet of SVS Solicitors.