Damien Noonan Not Guilty - The Penny Black Murder

Case study summary

The Penny Black Murder. Our client was Damien Noonan, head doorman of the Haçienda nightclub. He was found not guilty of the murder of ‘White Tony’ Johnson. This case signalled the beginning of Manchester’s infamous ‘Gunchester’ era.

Case study

The Penny Black Murder. Our client was Damien Noonan of the so-called Noonan Crime Family, and at that time the head doorman of Tony Wilson's well known Haçienda nighclub. He was accused along with two of his brothers and alleged accomplice Paul Flannery of murdering alleged drug dealer 'White Tony' Johnson.

Mary Monson defended our client, instructing the formidable Michael Mansfield QC as his barrister. Despite death threats received by us that our client should plead guilty, the case went to trial and our client was acquitted.

This case is now recognised as signalling the beginning of Manchester’s terrible ‘Gunchester’ era.