Reeds Solicitors secure a double acquittal on a two-handed court martial case before the Catterick Court Martial Centre (October 2021).
Zoe Heron, Chartered Legal Executive Advocate of our Leighton Buzzard Office litigated the case where two soldiers were accused of assaulting a Major and Sergeant whilst on a night out on an Austrian Skiing Trip, part of their adventure training, two years ago. There were deep holes in the identification procedure meaning Defendant two had a successful application to dismiss on one of the charges before the trial.
During the trial, after successful cross examination from Counsel for defendant two, the witness stated he was only 75% sure with regards of identification. The Panel Judge therefore directed the panel to acquit both defendants of all charges.
This case had hung over both defendants for two years, they risked up to 6 months imprisonment in Coventry Military Prison and risked being discharged. They were worried the entire time that their rank would mean they would not be believed. They both had to fork out over £5,000 in legal aid contributions.
Contact Zoe Heron for assistance in a case through her staff profile here. Alternatively, fill out the form on our contact us page.
Court Martial Solicitors Feedback
“Thanks for all your help – I have to say I have been at this job a long time and service such as your firm offers in support of client and counsel is second to none. It reminds me of the old days when solicitors and counsel were all paid significantly more than we are for doing the job and its lovely to work with a solicitor who does it so well and exactly as it should be!! Many cut corners these days and leave counsel to cover the gaps but I have been very impressed with your assistance!”
Defence Counsel for Defendant 1
“Hope you’re well and sorry for the delay I was hoping to message you sooner, I am over the moon also with the result and more the fact that it’s all finally over and not in the back of my mind. I have to say Zoe I don’t know where I would be without you and I have valued your help long the way, even going beyond your job to reassure me was so refreshing in the chaos of it all.”
Defendant 1
“Cheers Zoe a good end to a long road. Thank you so much for all you’ve done, you have been mega. You guys have been amazing thank you so much.”
Defendant 2
