Kate Riekstina, instructed by Alice Dyer of Payton’s Solicitors, secured a not guilty verdict for her client charged with attempted murder following a 7-day trial at Kingston Crown Court.
The footage appeared to show a chance encounter between the defendant and the complainant, during which the defendant produced a 9cm flick knife and pursued the complainant into a grocery shop. Eight stab wounds were inflicted, including a wound to the neck which damaged the vertebral artery. The complainant required emergency surgery to repair the artery, without which, it was agreed he would have died.
The case involved careful and detailed analysis of the prosecution evidence. This included lengthy cross-examination of the prosecution medical expert in relation to the stab wound pattern, the trajectory of the neck wound, and the level of force likely used, alongside a meticulous examination of the CCTV footage.
Following a 7-day trial at Kingston Crown Court, the jury acquitted the defendant of attempted murder.
The defendant had pleaded guilty at an early stage to wounding with intent and possession of a bladed article, reflecting the appropriate legal basis for the case.
Kate’s full profile: Kate Riekstina – Great James Street Chambers
To instruct Kate, the clerking team can be contacted at clerks@greatjames.co.uk or on 0207 440 4949.