Recent Case News
Read about Rhys' recent Court appearances and results achieved.
Prosecution Offer No Evidence
Rhys was instructed to act on behalf of a vulnerable young person who was of previous good character.
Whilst they were technically guilty of the offence, Rhys persuaded the CPS that the case was no in the public interest and that the matter should resolve with the imposition of a civil order.
Rhys was also able to demonstrate that the expert report which had been obtained by the prosecution was inadmissible.
Rhys represents defendant in first laughing gas prosecution
Rhys represented TS who was the first defendant prosecuted for the new offence of possession of nitrous oxide.
Rhys was able to persuade the CPS to accept lesser pleas and ensured that the sentence was measured in months rather than years. The case involved careful submissions regarding categorisation of offending.
The case was widely reported in the National Press.
Successful Submission of No Case to Answer
Rhys was instructed at short notice to represent MK who was accused of using a mobile phone whilst driving.
Rhys was able to argue that body worn footage which allegedly showed MK admitting the offence was inadmissible.
Following cross-examination of the officer and analysis of video footage, Rhys made a successful submission of no case to answer which meant MK was acquitted of using a mobile phone and did not receive any penalty points.
No Further Action taken on multiple Form 963s
Rhys has been instructed on a direct access by various clients already in 2024 including a medical professional and a leading sports-person.
Through early instruction, Rhys has been able to ensure that No Further Action has been taking in respect of several investigations. Rhys has also acted on behalf of several footballers securing outcomes which have avoided court and in many cases avoided the imposition of penalty points.
Prosecution Discontinue Proceedings
In an unusual case, Rhys was instructed on behalf of IA who had not received a summons and had been prosecuted in their absence. The reason for this was because the police had erroneously sent the charge to a petrol station.
Rhys took over the case and quickly drafted a detailed skeleton argument setting out the legal issues. Rhys invited the CPS to review the case.
Following a review the CPS decided to discontinue proceedings.
Suspended Sentence for Class A Drug Offences
Rhys was instructed to represent MA before Wood Green Crown Court in December 2023.
Having been instructed, Rhys advised that the evidence was strong but that there was an argument that the Defendant had a lesser role. Having drafted a detailed sentencing note, the Crown Court Judge was persuaded to impose a sentence less than half of what MA had been anticipating.
The Judge was then persuaded that the sentence should be suspended which allowed MA to spend Christmas with his family.
Not Guilty Verdict for Fail to Provide a Specimen
Rhys was instructed as litigator and counsel on behalf of SK who was accused of failing to provide a sample of breath.
Rhys instructed a leading expert in respect of lung capacity and ability to provide a sample. The Defendant had previously been arrested for drink driving and the case involved complex issues of admissibility.
Following an all day trial in November 2023 SK was acquitted of the offence by the District Judge.
Rhys secures out of court disposal for Fire Regulation offences
Rhys acted on behalf of RK before Durham Crown Court in respect of 14 allegations of breaching fire safety regulations.
Rhys entered into discussions with the prosecution prior to the PTPH and in October 2023 ensured that RK was able to accept a caution. This meant that RK avoided having to pay a substantial fine and maintained her effective good character.
Manslaughter Acquittal
Rhys represented a 16 year old accused of Manslaughter before Basildon Crown Court in October 2023.
Following legal submissions and various disclosure requests, the Prosecution decided they would offer no evidence in respect of Rhys' client.
This meant that the young person did not have to go through the stress of the trial and preserved their good character.
Aggravated Burglary Acquittal
Rhys represented JW before Wood Green Crown Court who was accused of breaking into his neighbour's property, assaulting the neighbour with a wrench and breaking his jaw.
Rhys robustly cross-examined the neighbour and the Officer in the Case which laid bare the basic errors made by the Police.
The Defendant was unanimously acquitted in 27 minutes in October 2023.
Rhys' Client receives Lowest Custodial Sentence for Drugs Conspiracy
Rhys represented W before Hove Crown Court for sentence as part of a serious drugs conspiracy in September 2023. Rhys had been instructed at an early stage and had agreed a favourable basis of plea with the Prosecution.
After a two-day sentencing hearing, Rhys' client initially received 4 1/2 years custody. Having considered the Learned Judge's sentencing remarks Rhys arranged for the case to be re-listed and the sentence was reduced by an additional 6 months meaning that the Defendant received the shortest immediate custodial sentence.
Murder Charge Discontinued
AQ had been arrested on suspicion of Conspiracy to Murder and an allegation of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life.
Rhys represented AQ at the Magistrates Court and put the prosecution on notice of various evidential gaps in their case and set out the case in favour of releasing AQ.
The Prosecution initially continued with the case which was brought before the Old Bailey. At the second hearing before the Crown Court in September 2023 the Prosecution discontinued the case against AQ.
Prosecution agree to stay Fire Safety Proceedings
In September 2023 Rhys was instructed to represent RL Ltd and their director.
Rhys entered into discussions with the prosecution which was brought by the local fire service for 14 separate breaches of regulations.
Rhys was able to persuade the prosecution to stay the prosecution and to accept a caution in respect of a single low-level offence.
Prosecution Abandon Million Pound Fraud Case
Rhys represented FD in respect of an alleged conspiracy to defraud. Rhys had acted on behalf of FD in their first trial which was aborted due to administrative difficulties.
Rhys drafted legal argument regarding the severance of co-defendants and admissibility of mobile phone evidence. Following rulings in respect of legal argument, the Prosecution offered no evidence against FD and a not guilty verdict was recorded.
Successful Appeal Against Disqualification
In August 2023 Rhys was instructed on a pro bono basis to represent G who had been disqualified from driving. Rhys led Conall Bailie from 2 Bedford Row.
G had been disqualified by the Magistrates Court and came to Rhys by recommendation. Rhys was able to prepare a detailed mitigation bundle setting out the impact that a disqualification would have on G and his close family.
G was a well-known professional musician. As a result of the appeal, his disqualification was lifted and his driving licence was returned to him.
Rape Conviction Overturned
Following a conviction in the Youth Court, Rhys was instructed to represent Z who had been accused of Rape at the age of 16.
Rhys cross-examined the Complainant at length and dealt with a number of technical issues of law.
Following a two day appeal hearing and detailed submissions, Z was found Not Guilty of rape and his conviction was over-turned.
Magistrates Re-open Custodial Sentence
Rhys was instructed on a direct access by JL who had been remanded into custody having pleaded guilty to three sets of driving offences.
JL had been sentenced to 36 weeks which is greater than the maximum sentence for the Magistrates Court. Rhys immediately drafted a skeleton argument and managed to obtain an urgent listing in August 2023.
The Court agreed to re-open the case and having heard submissions, adjourned for a pre-sentence report and granted JL bail pending the next hearing.
Fraud Charges Dismissed
Rhys represented C before Croydon Crown Court who was alleged to have conspired to conceal imported cigarettes. This was a complex case involving telephone evidence and observations.
Rhys drafted representations to the Prosecution after the charges had been laid indicating the evidential deficiencies in the case. The Judge dismissed the charged against C on application by the Prosecution in July 2023.
Education Act Offences Withdrawn
Rhys was instructed to represent T in respect of an allegation of failing to ensure her child attended school. This is an unusual offence and is generally considered to be strict liability - this means that the Prosecution do not need to prove any intent.
Having been instructed, Rhys drafted a detailed defence statement which led to the Prosecution reviewing the case and discontinuing the proceedings in July 2023.
Rape Acquittal
Following an 8 day trial in June 2023 before Wood Green Crown Court, S was acquitted of the rape of a 15 year old girl.
Rhys had represented S since the proceedings first began. The case was legally complex and involved Section 41 (the restriction on asking questions about previous sexual behaviour), the bad character of the prosecution witness and various legal arguments.
The case was also unusual in that the Prosecution decided not to rely on a witness who they did not consider capable of belief, that witness was subsequently called as a defence witness.
The allegation was a serious one involving the alleged use of a knife to threaten the victim and that S had drugged the alleged victim.
Firearms Charge Dismissed
X was charged with possession of a firearm on the basis of DNA and telephone evidence.
Rhys was instructed to defend the case. Having taken on the case Rhys immediately noticed that the Police had failed to carry out the DNA testing correctly and drafted an application to dismiss the charge.
The Prosecution, having considered Rhys’ argument, decided they could not resist the application, heard in May 2023, and the charge – which carried at 5 year minimum sentence – was dismissed.
Successful Appeal Against Driving Disqualification
Rhys represented AP who was a senior area manager for a major UK supermarket. AP had been disqualified by the Magistrates Court having accumulated 12 points on their licence. AP had to travel to 120 different stores and would not have been able to keep their licence had they been disqualified.
Rhys was able to persuade the Crown Court Judge at a hearing in May 2023 that AP could show exceptional hardship if they were disqualified from driving. As such, the Crown Court over-turned the disqualification and AP was able to maintain their driving licence and their employment.
Prosecution Offer no Evidence on Indecent Images Charges
E had been charged with Possession of Indecent Images, he was a man of impeccable good character and a senior financial executive. Rhys was instructed to consider the case and advise on whether there was any argument that could bring the case to an end without a trial. This related to forensic mapping of the Defendant's computer hard drive.
In June 2023, Rhys quickly identified holes in the evidence of the Prosecution’s expert which meant that the evidence they relied upon was not sufficient to proceed. Rhys subsequently wrote representations to the CPS to ask them to review the case.
Following consideration of the representations, the CPS offered no evidence and E was found Not Guilty.
Rhys Secures the Return of High Value Watches
JG instructed Rhys on a direct access basis to assist him in respect of a Section 10A application to seek the return of a number of high value watches. Rhys drafted an application and prepared a supporting bundle to go to the court alongside the statements already prepared.
Following a hearing at Canterbury Crown Court in June 2023 the Crown Prosecution Service agreed that the watches should be returned to JG.
Prosecution Offer no Evidence in Serious Drug Trial
M had been found in a house in Leicester where he was in possession of drugs, cash and a 'deal line'.
Rhys acted for M and following the service of a series of defence documents, the Prosecution offered no evidence against M who was accused of serious drug offences before Leicester Crown Court. This took place shortly before his 5 day trial that had been fixed for May 2023.
M would have faced a prison sentence of in excess of 4 years had he been convicted.
Money Laundering Acquittal
Rhys represented V in a trial before Croydon Crown Court who faced a total of 6 charges of money laundering. Rhys was led by Nick Barraclough. V was acquitted of 5 charges out of the total of 6 that he faced following a 4 month trial that concluded in April 2023.
The case involved complex financial evidence as well as surveillance across a 2 year period.
Suspended Sentence for Causing Serious Injury by Careless Driving
Rhys was instructed by specialist driving solicitors to assist with the representation of their client AH.
AH had been charged with the offence of Causing Serious Injury by Careless Driving, this was because the offence had taken place the day after the introduction of new legislation.
Rhys was able to persuade HHJ Gilbart that despite the injuries caused, the sentence could be suspended due to the Defendant's personal mitigation.
The sentencing exercise was reported in the national press due to the public interest in the matter.
Suspended Sentence for Third Drink Drive Conviction
Rhys represented SK in March 2023 before Luton Crown Court. SK was charged with a third drink driving offence in two years, all offences having been approximately 3 times the legal limit.
SK was in breach of a suspended sentence by virtue of him committing the third offence. The suspended sentence had been imposed for an offence of drink driving.
Rhys successfully persuaded the Crown Court, having appealed a sentence of immediate custody imposed by the Magistrates Court, that it was appropriate to impose a further suspended sentence. The Court indicated that they agreed with Rhys' submissions that if ever there was a case they could take the step, it was that presented by Rhys.
Suspended Sentence for Class A Drugs Supply
Rhys was instructed to represent CM who had pleaded Not Guilty to a conspiracy to supply Cocaine. He had sold Cocaine on various occasions to under-cover police officers.
Rhys persuaded the Prosecution to accept pleas to an alternative lesser offence of Being Concerned.
The matter was subsequently listed for sentence and Rhys persuaded the Judge to impose a 2 year suspended sentence. This meant the client was immediately released from custody in time for his son's birthday party later that day.
Prosecution Agree to Withdraw Proceedings
In March 2023, Rhys was instructed following a conviction in absence for an employee of a civil defence company for ticket evasion..
After an initial conference, Rhys was able to advise on how to make a statutory declaration to have the conviction re-opened. This application was made successfully and the conviction was removed.
Rhys then drafted lengthy representations to the Prosecution setting out why the case was not in the public interest.
The Prosecution confirmed after a short period of time that having reviewed the representations, they would withdraw the proceedings. This meant that the client was able to retain their good character, if they had been convicted they would have lost their employment.
Careless Driving Acquittal
Rhys was instructed on a direct access basis to represent SH who had been charged with driving without due care and attention.
Having been instructed at an early stage, Rhys took a robust approach to case management. He persuaded the Court to set out strict directions for disclosure.
Rhys regularly chased the prosecution for disclosure and set out the legal arguments that would be raised.
At 6:30pm the night before trial in March 2023, the Prosecution indicated that they would be discontinuing the case because they could not comply withe the directions that had been put in place.
Disqualification from Driving Reduced
In March 2023, Rhys was instructed to make an application pursuant to Section 42 of the RTOA 1988 to reduce a period of disqualification.
The client had been disqualified in December 2020 for a period of 3 years. This had been a mandatory disqualification.
Rhys appeared before Cambridge Magistrates Court and successfully argued that because of the work done by the client, the disqualification should be reduced by 9 months. This meant that the disqualficiation was immediately brought to an end.
These are extremely rare applications and are often difficult to successfully argue.
Prosecution Discontinue Section 18 GBH
Rhys was instructed to represent a 16 year old Defendant who was alleged to have committed a Section 18 GBH with intent and Robbery.
Rhys drafted several legal arguments, many of which focused on compliance with PACE (Police) codes of conduct in respect of identification.
Rhys also made several disclosure requests and wrote representations to the CPS about whether the evidential test was met.
On 6th March 2023, the CPS confirmed that they would not proceed with the case against Rhys' client.
Blackmail and False Imprisonment Acquittal
After a 10 week trial before Wood Green Crown Court, Rhys' client was unanimously acquitted in January 2023 by a jury of 2 counts of Conspiracy to Blackmail and 2 counts of Conspiracy to Falsely Imprison.
The Prosecution alleged that Rhys' client had been an organiser of a knife point kidnap before alleged victims were drugged and washed with bleach. The case involved substantial cell-site evidence and police negotiators.
Prosecution agree not to prosecute for use of a mobile phone
Rhys was instructed at a very early stage, immediately after the driver had arrived home having been stopped.
Rhys was informed by the client that the Police Officer had stated that they would simply receive a course, rather than the mandatory 6 points.
Immediately, Rhys was able to draft correspondence to the Police asking them to retain the Body Worn Footage and to review the case as an Abuse of Process.
In January 2023, the Police confirmed that they would not be seeking to charge Rhys' client.
18 Month Sentence for two drugs conspiracies
Rhys represented BM before Isleworth Crown Court in January 2023 who had pleaded guilty to two drugs conspiracies. The cases involved encrochat telephone evidence and the Prosecution contended that the potential value of the conspiracy was in excess of £300,000.
Rhys was able to persuade the Sentencing Judge to go outside of the sentencing range and impose a sentence which meant BM was released immediately from custody.
Rhys secures return of high-value watches
Rhys was instructed to argue that the UK Border Force had incorrectly used their powers under the Customs and Excise Act.
This had led to the seizure of three high value watches, the total value exceeded £70,000.
Rhys was able to successfully persuade the UK Border Force to review the seizure and to return the goods to the client.
Rhys secures Acquittal in High Profile knife case
Rhys represented Marcus Coutain who was arrested in 2020. Whilst being arrested, members of the public filmed Marcus' arrest because of the force that was used by the police.
Marcus was subsequently charged with Possession of a Bladed Article.
Following a trial, Marcus was acquitted of the offence. Reporters were in court for the whole trial.
Non-Custodial sentence for 'Brothel Banker'
Following a two week trial before Liverpool Crown Court, Rhys ensured that despite being convicted of money laundering, the client did not receive a custodial sentence.
As a result of submissions, Rhys also ensured that the Prosecution did not seek confiscation of any of the funds in the client's account.
Rhys instructed to represent Police and Crime Commissioner
Rhys represented Caroline Henry, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire in respect of a number of speeding allegations.
Rhys was recommended to Caroline after she had previously been represented by a different barrister. Rhys was able to ensure that matters were dealt with swiftly and effectively.
The case reported nationally in the media.
