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Zayd Ahmed represented the defendant, who was charged with grievous bodily harm with intent.
The Crown alleged that the defendant had assaulted his ex-partner by beating her and cutting her with a knife. The Crown applied to adduce the complainant’s evidence under the hearsay provisions, as she had left the jurisdiction. Zayd objected to the application, relying on several authorities. The judge ruled against the inclusion of the hearsay evidence.
Zayd also made an application under Section 78 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 to exclude photographs taken by the complainant. Following the refusal of the hearsay application, the Crown applied to adjourn the trial to secure her attendance. Zayd successfully opposed the adjournment. As a result, the Crown had no evidence to present and offered no evidence.
Not guilty verdicts were subsequently entered.
Zayd was instructed by Rajesh Bhamm and Jack Ward of Tank Jowett Solicitors.
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