Stephanie Panchkowry Secures Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity Verdict in Attempted Murder Case

Stephanie Panchkowry represented a male charged with attempted murder. The prosecution case was that he had lured his father to the scene and run at him with a large kitchen knife, stabbing him multiple times. He had chased him around cars on the street, in the middle of the day, with numerous members of the public present. The issue at trial was whether he knew, at the time of the offending, what he was doing was wrong.

Three consultant forensic psychiatrists gave evidence over a number of days during the trial. Two defence experts concluded insanity applied. An expert for the Crown concluded insanity was not made out due to comments made by the defendant months after the incident.

The jury found the defendant not guilty by reason of insanity.

Stephanie was instructed by Jonathan Tyson of Henscott Solicitors.