Shekyena Marcelle-Brown secures acquittal for vulnerable client acting in self-defence against excessive force used by the police

Shekyena’s client was arrested using disproportionate force despite repeatedly informing the police officers that he has bipolar disorder, to allow for reasonable adjustments, which was unfortunately ignored.

The trial involved evidence given by a number of officers which was corroborated by their body worn video footage. However, this only showed a snippet of what had occurred. The jury were shown further evidence obtained by the Defence, which was crucial in undermining the Crown’s case and supporting the client’s account that he was acting in lawful self-defence.

Following the jury’s unanimous not guilty verdict, the judge expressed “very real concerns” about the complainant officer’s conduct that came to light during Shekyena’s cross-examination of the officers. To restore public confidence in the police, in the presence of the jury, the court extraordinarily ordered that the complainant officer’s conduct is brought to the attention of the Detective Chief Superintendent with the view that he is retrained in dealing with vulnerable people and anger management.

Shekyena was instructed by Shahid Khan of Advice Wise Solicitors.