Latest Cases

Criminal department news: updated 27/09/21

R-V-MM

We acted on behalf of our client who faced charges along with co-defendants from conspiracy to attempted murder, conspiracy possessing firearm and conspiracy to causing grievous bodily harm. With our successful submissions from the start of the case, the charges were reduced to assisting an offender in the Crown Court. After a lengthy and complex trial lasting for over 6 weeks, our client was successfully acquitted of all charges. The case involved complex cell site reports; phone attribution reports and independent experts. With meticulous attention to the Prosecution’s case and extensive cross examination along with defence submissions, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty.

At Meridian Legal Services we endeavour to provide our exceptional professional service to achieve the best possible result for our client’s. We take pride in our services we provide to our client’s and will make sure we take the time and consideration in delivering the best possible legal service for your case.

R-V-SH

We acted on behalf of our client who faced charges with co-defendants ranging from fraud by false representation. The case was based upon the allegation that our client had been part of fraudulent activities of being involved in fraudulent claims of road traffic accidents and benefiting from the proceeds of those fraudulent road traffic accidents. The matter was listed for trial in Crown Court, where after the Prosecution had presented their case the defence made representations before the defence case could start and were successful at ‘half time’ with dismissing the case. Our client was acquitted of all charges before the defence case could even start. With our well-prepared detailed submissions and extensive scrutiny of the prosecution’s case, the Judge favoured defence submissions and acquitted our client.

R-V-AK

We acted on behalf of our client who faced charges of having an article with a blade/knife in possession. Our client maintained his innocence and argued for having a ‘reasonable excuse’ in being in possession of the bladed article. Before the case could even reach trial, we made defence submissions to the Prosecution ranging and based upon our defence and upon the Prosecution on reviewing the case, the case was discontinued before trial. At Meridian Legal Services we will always a pro-active approach in delivering the best possible legal service for your case. We will always deliver strategical advice and make sure your case is fully explored with leaving no room for error.

R-V-GSM

We acted on behalf of our client who was arrested and interviewed for a conspiracy to launder money and to committing fraud, along with other associated offences including theft of vehicles and money from bank accounts with a joint enterprise of over 5 co-suspects being linked to bank accounts of using false identities. With delivering our advice to our client and after a lengthy complex investigation by the police and stringent defence submissions throughout the whole process by our senior Solicitor’s, the Police disposed of the case by ‘No Further Action’. Our client was successfully acquitted of all allegations and was able to continue with her employment and day to day activities.

R-V-JO

We acted on behalf of our client who faced multiple charges on a joint indictment with co-defendants, related to possession of firearms and possessing ammunition with the intention to endanger life. After lengthy representations with the Prosecution, the defence were able to negotiate a guilty plea on a lesser charge of simple possession only. It must be remembered that the Law in UK on firearms is complex and does attract a lengthy custodial sentence. At Meridian Legal Services we will always advise to contact us for advice, where we can make sure that you are represented in the best possible way. Our specialist team of Attorney will be able to explain the full background to the Firearms Law and explain all possible options available to you. We will always seek to achieve the best possible outcome available to you.

R-V-SA

We represented our client who was placed on a joint indictment with co-defendants, where our client faced multiple charges of conspiracy to money laundering and fraudulent activity related to ‘HMRC’ fraud and involving ‘phishing’ fraud in excess of hundreds of thousands of pounds. Our client had sought advice from other Attorney and was advised that he would be facing immediate custody in the event of him pleading guilty to the charges he had faced on the indictment. Upon our client instructing Meridian Legal Services and after lengthy submissions to the Court and stringent negotiations with the Prosecution, the Court accepted that our client held a lesser role in the conspiracy charges and alternative charges being proposed to the conspiracy were put to our client which he pleaded guilty to those charges and upon sentence our client received a simple community order of unpaid work. Our client was an exceptional individual academically and by profession, and was overwhelmed with the result.

R-V-AB

We acted on behalf of our client who faced serious charges of aggravated burglary and affray. Our client maintained his innocence from the start of his case and maintained his defence. We followed our client’s instructions and prepared his case meticulously from the very onset of proceedings. As a result of legal arguments and a lengthy Crown Court trial, the jury deliberated for 1 hour and the jury unanimously acquitted our client of all counts.

R-v-KN

We represented our client who was charged with being in possession of a controlled drug of Class B with intent to supply (Over 1kg of herbal cannabis). After a lengthy trial followed by defence submissions, our client received a total sentence of a community penalty. If you are accused of an allegation of being in possession with intent to supply drugs, contact us today and will direct you to our specialist department to assist you for your matter. Our serious crime department have years of experience with dealing with drug offences. Our specialist lawyers have expertise in this field of Law and will be happy to provide you advice if you face this type or similar accusation.

R-V-AH

We represented our client who was charged with being in concerned in the production/cultivation of a controlled class B, namely herbal cannabis. After defence submissions and interrogation of the Prosecution’s case, we were able to argue our client maintained a lower role in the operation and a result should not receive a lengthy custodial sentence given the operation. Upon sentence and after representations by defence, our client received a total 6 months’ imprisonment only after defence arguments were made to the Court about our client having a lower role and lesser involvement in the operation.

R-v-CS

We represented our client who faced serious charges related to human trafficking, money laundering and fraud. The operation was commenced by Wiltshire Police and involved our client being a lead part of the operation in the sexual exploitation of women to be trafficked in UK and receiving proceeds of criminal conduct in exchange. After defence submissions were made in Court, it was agreed the allegation of ‘conspiracy’ would be dropped and alternative lesser offences would be put to our client. Our client had a lengthy trial which was for a duration of weeks and involved defence submissions being made to the admissibility of the Prosecution’s evidence. The case involved our client also being in possession of articles in use of fraud where not guilty pleas were entered in Court. The Prosecution had relied on the seizure our client’s electronic devices and upon downloading the content sought to use the data found in trial. Defence was able to stringently consider all the evidence involved and were able to make legal arguments to the electronic data.

R-V-UK

We acted on behalf of our client who was charged with being in possession of an offensive weapon, which involved a dispute with our client’s neighbour housing. Our client who was of elderly age and suffering from severe medical issues instructed our defence specialist to make representations for the case to be resolved without a Crown Court trial, being in the public interest of our client and Court not to proceed to trial. After lengthy negotiations with the Prosecution, our client was able to enter not guilty to the charges she faced on the indictment and with no evidence being offered, our client was only subject to a simple bind over.

R-V-KM 

Meridian Legal Services have successfully defended the client charged with the offence of murder and manslaughter.

We have successfully defended a teen who was charged for the offence of murder and manslaughter. The case was heard at the Central Criminal Court. The trial went on for 3 weeks and extensive documentary evidence, cell site analysis, forensic and CCTV evidence were presented. The matter was highly complex but with the meticulous preparation and effective representation by one of our senior solicitor Mr. Sudhanshu Sharma helped in getting the favourable results. The client got acquitted from all the charges from the Central Criminal Court.

There are numerous other matters of similar nature where we have been successful in achieving the favourable results for the clients.

R-V-MQ

Meridian Legal Services have successfully defended a client charged with serious charges of sexual assault. The case was heard at Isleworth Crown Court and because of the effective preparation and representation, Meridian Legal Services successfully defended the client.

R-V-ON

We have recently been instructed for a complex and voluminous case of multi-million fraud and money laundering. The client is facing the serious allegations of conspiring with three others to do frauds which are believed to be perpetrated by members of the international criminal organization. The fraud is said to be linked with third parties and has been spread across 17 different countries globally. Extensive documentary evidence and numerous discs have been served alleging the client to be the main suspect of advance fee fraud.

R-V- SS

We have successfully defended the client charged with the offence of attempted murder. There were two suspects in the case one of which was being represented by Meridian Legal Services. The matter was highly complex but with our meticulous preparations and representations, we were able to secure the favourable results. The client got acquitted of the charges from the Central Criminal Court whilst the other suspect was given a rigorous imprisonment of 20 years. There are numerous other matters of similar nature where Meridian Legal Services have been successful in achieving the favourable results for the clients.

R-V-MH

Meridian Legal Services Attorney have recently been instructed for a high-value matter of conspiracy to defraud. The matter concerned an organized Crime Group who, within a window of 5 days, travelled the length and breadth of the United Kingdom making purchases at Apple Stores using the compromised bank account details of one the UK’s prominent bank’s customers through a mechanism called ‘Apple Pay’. Apple Pay was launched in the UK on July 14th, 2015. APPLEPAY is similar to contactless payment offered by most banks, a facility which allows the customer to pay for a product/s by ‘tapping’ a payment card against a terminal to complete the transaction.

Our client has been alleged to be the prime member of this crime group. The anticipated value of the fraud is over a million pounds. Extensive paperwork and digital evidence have been served. The client has pleaded not guilty and has instructed Meridian Legal Services Attorney to represent him in this matter of high-value fraud.

Other Cases

R-V- J B (FRAUD)

The case involved a human trafficking organization to make profits of over three million pounds. The case consisted of a number of co-defendants and involved a criminal enterprise on a commercial basis. Allegations were made of a significant operation of prostitution and females were being trafficked into the UK from foreign countries. A basis of plea was argued in Court and full submissions were enforced to the Crown. The submissions were followed in Court which resulted in a significant reduction in sentence.

R-V- J L R (FRAUD/CONSPIRACY)

The case involves a multi-handler operation of an allegation of the conspiracy of possession and importation Class A drugs of over 20kg and possessing the criminal property of over £100,000 cash. The case is ongoing.

R-V-R J (FRAUD)

Case consisted of a multi-million chargeback bank fraud and involved more than 17 defendants who were divided into multiple trials. Sentence submissions were accepted in Court and were argued to the Crown which resulted in a significant reduction of sentence.

R-V- M K (FRAUD)

The case involves a complex bank fraud in which bank employees and staff members have been compromised. The case consists of a multi-million-pound bank fraud and as it currently stands it’s a 6 handler case which is still ongoing.

POLICE STATION CASES

V J (FRAUD/CONSPIRACY)

The case involved an all allegation of suspicion of conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering. Our client was arrested on the allegation of outsourcing monies into and out of the UK to foreign countries. The case was concluded at the Police station offering No Further Action after legal representation was made to the instructed officers and reviewing lawyers in the case.

R V QF:

Conspiracy to assist/defraud Board agency from European country

R V C C:

Prosecuted by HMRC at Warwick Crown Court. Importation of Class B drugs in very large quantity. Defendant was acquitted.

R V UC:

Importation of large quantity of class B drugs. Under section Custom and Excise, Management Acts 1979.

R V VM:

Prosecuted by UKBA at Isleworth Crown Court, the case of conspiracy to defraud with six co-defendants. This was a large scale multi-handed conspiracy to defraud the secretary of state. The case was concerning false documentation and various sham organization which was used to facilitate the fraud.

Operation Bypass:

The case involved a large number of defendants alleged for smuggling of 24 million cigarettes. It involved the importation of class A & B in very high quantity, over 1.3 tones. Defendants were operating under the ERTS facility as outsource by HMRC. The value of class A & B was estimated over 20 million. The case was made after the long period of surveillance/undercover operation with investigations spanning globally to China, Dubai, Uganda, and Kenya, to name a few.

Operation Gesticulate:

A case was investigated by the Serious Organized Crime Agency (SOCA). It involved syndicate members to assist or facilitate the arrival of the asylum seeker in the United Kingdom and conspiracy to defraud secretary of state. The case also involved a lot of forged travel documents, bank statements showing higher credit balance and forged English language test. Spanish law endorsement agency was also involved in the investigation to provide recordings. A Large quantity of paperwork was served by the prosecution.

Cheat with HMRC:

Case involved defendant who had not paid taxes for a long period of time and VAT was not been paid according to the HMRC’s guidelines. The period involved for nonpayment of tax was over 10 years. It was a very complex matter resulting in induction of forensic accountant. Alleged fraud with HMRC was estimated at over 3 million.

R V CC:

We have successfully defended the case of importation of large quantity of class B drugs, prosecuted by HMRC at Warwickshire Crown Court. The case went on for around two years. Defence advised the defendant not to give evidence during the trial. Defendant accepted the defence advice, which resulted in acquittal. The prosecution asked for a retrial, but no evidence offered in the event of the defendant, not inclined to give evidence.

R-V-A P (DRUGS)

This case consisted of an importation of a Class A drugs from India. The case followed through to trial and extensive legal submissions were directed to the Crown and Court. This resulted in a hung jury and a further re-trial was ordered. After further representations and submissions at the re-trial, the Crown resulted in offering no evidence.

R-E S

This case is a five handler case and consists of smuggling illegal immigrants into the UK. The charges follow an investigation by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU). A total of 16 Albanian nationals were detained and deported as part of the investigation. The Case is still ongoing.

R  V P.E: Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs with the very large quantity of drugs.

R  V CS:  Conspiracy of Importation of large quantity of class A drugs.

R  V FO: Importation of large quantity of Class A drugs.

R  V JDB: Possessions with intent to supply class A drugs, found not guilty intent to supply.

R  V AA: Possession with intent to supply class A

R  V PA: Multiple Counts of Possession with the intention to supply Class B.

R  V-LB: Case of witness intimidation/Juror, the client was acquitted.

R  V R. D: Possession with intent to supply class A drugs as a drug dealer.

R  V OO: Case of quitting high quantity of importation of class A drugs, Under section Custom and Excise Management Act 1979.

R  V J. L. M: Case of Concerned in the fraudulent evasion of a prohibition on the importation of a class A drugs. Under section Custom and Excise Management Acts 1979.

R-V- P M:

The case involved an allegation of a series of burglaries in a dwelling. This was a complex matter which was listed for trial. In brief, at trial, it was noted that the DNA results were mixed substances and therefore there was no case to answer. The Jury directed a verdict of not guilty and the defendant was acquitted.

R  V CO:

The allegation of burglary found not guilty.

R  V NE:

Five counts of armed (gun point) robbery.

R  V KB:

The allegation of assault in a detention center.

R  V SK:

Possession of prohibited weapon under Firearms Acts 1968.

R  V AN:

The case of possession of the criminal property as a lot of IT items found.

R  V SMD:

It was an extradition matter in which def. was wanted on the European Union warrant for

attempted Murder and armed robbery.

R-v-J M (SEXUAL OFFENCE CASE)

We have successfully defended the case of a serious allegation of rape against the defendant. A full trial was listed and Jury subsequently was sworn in. Defence submissions were put forward to the Crown Prosecution Service and a pro-active defence was enforced in Crown Court. The Conclusion of the case at trial was that the Defendant was found not guilty of rape.

R-V-O Z

We have successfully defended an allegation that the defendant abducted a child under 16 years out of the UK without consent. The case was listed for full trial and after in-depth submissions, in Court, the Prosecution offered no evidence and the defendant was acquitted.

R-V-S J

The case involved a serious allegation Domestic violence. It was alleged that the defendant caused severe injuries to his ex-girlfriend. During the case, we provided submissions of dismissal of the case. Subsequently, the Prosecution offered no evidence and did not wish to prosecute the defendant.

R-V- D W

The case involved a number of defendants alleged to have caused GBH. This was a very complex matter due to the forensic evidence needed to be evaluated and reviewed. The case was listed for full trial and a pro-active legal defence was enforced in Court following extensive submissions. The jury found the defendants not guilty at trial.

R-V- S A

The case involved a number of defendants alleged to have caused GBH. This was a very complex matter due to the forensic evidence needed to be evaluated and reviewed. The case was listed for full trial and the jury found the defendants not guilty at trial.

R-V- M T (SEXUAL ASSAULT)

The case involved allegations of rape and possession of imitation firearms.

R  V G. G:

It was a case of serious sexual offence with much complex legal/ forensic issues.

R  V H. S:

The case of serious sexual offence.

R  V R. G:

The case of the domestic sexual allegation ended up with the not guilty verdict.