Stephanie Panchkowry’s Client is Acquitted of Intent to Endanger Life Following Firearms Re-trial

Stephanie Panchkowry, leading Caroline Moonan of 3TG Barristers, represented a male in a re-trial charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

At around midnight, after the Notting Hill Carnival had finished, police observed two vehicles travelling in convoy with each other. CCTV and police observations captured their movements.

The defendant was in one of the vehicles, which stopped near to a nightclub called, Venue 295. When the police arrived, the defendant was alleged to be wearing a balaclava and he ran from the vehicle, having thrown a loaded firearm under the car. Another loaded firearm had been found in a Louis Vuitton bag in the front passenger seat of that car. Both firearms were cocked and ready to fire.

The defendant’s DNA was on the loading lips of the magazine and the top round of ammunition in the magazine of the firearm under the car (in an area that it was accepted could not have been accessed unless the firearm was disassembled).

A glove was discovered in the defendant’s trouser leg when he was arrested. The balaclava was discovered having been discarded during the chase.

The defendant pleaded guilty to being in possession of the firearm he threw under the vehicle, however, he denied intending to endanger anyone’s life.

Stephanie and Caroline were instructed by Sadique Al-Hakeem of Tuckers Solicitors.