Trio of Acquittals in Firearms Conspiracy

Alexandra, Houzla and Rebecca represented three of the four defendants charged with conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life.

The case concerned a conspiracy to supply a Beretta and compatible ammunition to Edward Little, who has pleaded guilty to a terrorism offence and is due to be sentenced on 15^th December. 

The plan to sell the gun was orchestrated from HMP Rochester, and the prosecution case relied upon several hours of recordings from the prison phones. 

Alexandra and Houzla’s clients accepted conspiring to transfer a firearm, but both denied having an intent that the firearm should be possessed with intent to endanger life.  Alexandra’s client denied a further count of concealing criminal property. 

The Crown contended that Rebecca’s client knowingly acted as a conduit for communication between the other defendants.  The prosecution case was that all the defendants had appreciated that it was virtually certain that the purchaser of a gun and ammunition would use it to endanger life.

Rebecca’s client denied both firearms conspiracies, on the basis that although she facilitated calls and passed on messages, she was unaware that they related to firearms.

Alexandra made a successful submission of no case to answer in relation to the money laundering count at the close of the prosecution case.

At the end of the three-week trial at Inner London Crown Court, the jury returned ‘not guilty’ verdicts in relation to all outstanding counts and all defendants.

Rebecca’s client was discharged.

Rebecca and Houzla were instructed by Steven Langdell and Tasha Dovey at Bishop and Light Solicitors.

Alexandra was instructed by Mel Stooks at GT Stewart.

Coverage
The Independent
BBC