Silas Lee’s Client Acquitted of Murder and Manslaughter

Following a two week trial at Isleworth Crown Court, Silas Lee’s client was acquitted of both murder and manslaughter.

The defendant was accused of killing a man in a burger shop in Uxbridge. CCTV of the incident showed a fight breaking out and the defendant grappling with the deceased, before saying, “He’s going to die”. Eye witnesses stated that the defendant repeatedly punched the man to the head and chest.

The man walked away from the scene of the altercation but collapsed at a nearby bus stop and sadly died. He had a pre-existing heart condition which made him particularly vulnerable to the onset of disturbed heart rhythm, especially following stressful events.

The prosecution instructed four expert witnesses to deal with causation of death. The case raised complex issues in relation to causation.

The defence case was that the defendant had acted in self-defence and that the causal link between the altercation and death was not proved to the criminal standard.

On the second day of their deliberations, the jury returned unanimous not guilty verdicts on murder and manslaughter. The defendant was convicted of an assault by beating in respect of a woman who was also present at the scene and was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment.

Silas was led by David Bentley KC of Doughty Street Chambers, and was instructed by Ann Hepburn of Lawrence & Co.