Client Fined for Assault and Possession of Cannabis

Case study summary

We represented our client following his arrest for his involvement in an assault. He was eventually charged with this and being in possession of cannabis. We persuaded the court to impose the lowest possible sentence which was a conditional discharge and a financial penalty.

Case study

We were instructed as the duty solicitor to represent our client at his police interview under caution. He was alleged to have assisted another suspect by pushing one of the complainants whilst his co-accused seriously assaulted another and left them with a head injury. When he was arrested, the police had also located a quantity of cannabis in our client's car.

We supported our client throughout the process of being interviewed by the police and provided him with the necessary advice to advance his case while protecting his legal interests. As a result of our expert legal advice, our client was charged with a much more minor assault offence relating only to having pushed one of the complainants, rather than being charged on the basis of joint enterprise for the more serious offence.

At the first court hearing, our client's solicitor took instructions from him and relayed a basis of plea to the prosecutor. Initially, the prosecutor claimed that she did not have time to consider this and proposed having the case adjourned to a different day. Knowing the effect that a further delay would have on our client, and understanding that this case was one that could feasibly be dealt with in one hearing, we pressured the prosecution to consider the basis of plea on that day. They agreed to and the case was put before the court.

Our client's solicitor persuaded the court to impose the lowest possible sentence which was a conditional discharge and a fine. He was overjoyed with this and looked forward to being able to put this experience behind him.