Ann Tayo secured an acquittal for her client charged with possession of a bladed article.
At least six police officers attended the scene of a driving without insurance matter pertaining to an aspiring 30 year old, black male ‘soon to be’ accountant of good character, in full time employment, with a degree in management accounting, who was unceremoniously handcuffed and told to “Just button it!” as he attempted to provide police with an explanation regarding why he was driving without insurance. He was treated in a hostile, abrupt and contemptible manner as one officer repeatedly pointed her finger in his face and mocked him.
Upon searching his vehicle, police found a kitchen knife between the driver’s seat and door that he had been using as a tool earlier that day to fix his ‘temperamental’ car radio. His car was seized and he was placed in custody. The experience left him feeling harassed.
A finding of guilt would have had devastating consequences for this young man’s career; fortunately, the jury sitting at Birmingham Crown Court agreed with Ann’s submissions and he was unanimously acquitted.
Ann’s full profile: https://greatjames.co.uk/members/ann-tayo/