Quentin ensures that CPS drop case against company director on day of trial.  

Mr GL stood accused of an offence of being drunk and disorderly contrary to section 91(1) of the Criminal Justice Act 1967. He had been for an evening out in Bury St Edmunds and had overindulged whilst drinking. This had resulted in him being ejected from a nightclub by bouncers. He had shortly thereafter come to the attention of the Police who noted that he was seen to be worrying passers by including a group of women.

He was asked to go home but refused, and instead acted in a provocative way towards officers. He was finally arrested following the making of obscene gestures towards a police officer.

Mr GL was a company director who was acting totally out of character on the night in question. He was otherwise a man of totally good character. His company had a number of contracts  across the charitable sector, a number of which depended upon him and key employees being DBS clear before they could access key sites.

GL was very concerned that any conviction would result in his company losing valuable contracts and the knock on effect that this may have upon his employees. Despite this being a relatively minor matter, GL decided to engage award winning Criminal Defence Barrister Quentin Hunt to represent his interests. Quentin was instructed on a direct public access basis.

Upon instruction Quentin wrote a detailed letter of representations to the CPS, in the letter he outlined why the case should not be prosecuted and why the matters at hand did not meet either the evidential or public interest tests under the Code for Crown Prosecutors. As such, Quentin invited the CPS to discontinue the prosecution. The CPS did not accede to Quentin’s representations and stated that they wished to continue to trial.

Quentin and Mr GL worked together to prepare a very strong case for trial. The argument was that although Mr GL may have had a quantity of alcohol, the CPS could not prove that he was drunk nor that his conduct was disorderly to the extent that it warranted criminal conviction.

On the day of trial at Bury St Edmunds Magistrates Court Quentin attended Court early and had detailed conversations with the CPS barrister prosecuting the case. Quentin was quick to point out the weaknesses in the prosecution case. In the end Quentin succeeded in persuading the CPS to agree with his arguments. They therefore offered no evidence against Quentin’s client, meaning that a Not Guilty verdict was entered on his behalf. GL was very relived and was delighted that his business interests would not be compromised by a criminal conviction.

If you find yourself facing criminal proceedings, no matter how minor, you may find that they have a potentially catastrophic effect on your life and livelihood. Quentin Hunt is a Criminal defence barrister who specialises in representing professionals and high net worth individuals who need to protect their good character. Quentin believes in fighting to the last and will always strive to achieve the best result possible for his clients. You may contact Quentin for a free, no obligation conversation about how he may be able to assist with your case.