Emily Griffiths

R v GS / “Operation Ryton” – Attempted Murder, s.18 Grievous Bodily Harm, Violent Disorder

Secured acquittal of defendant charged with attempted murder and s.18 GBH following 8-week trial before the Central Criminal Court. The defendant, who was of effective good character, had been charged on a joint-enterprise basis, having been present at the scene of a stabbing in Canning Town. He maintained he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and was the only defendant of the six who were present at the stabbing to be acquitted of both charges. GS was convicted of violent disorder. Emily was led by Henry Hughes in Chambers.

R v RB / “Operation Sedgebrook” – Violent Disorder

Represented one of eleven defendants who were alleged to have attacked members of a rival motorcycle group on a street in Worthing, during which GBH-level injuries were sustained. Emily’s client was the only one of the eleven to be wholly acquitted.

R v KQ – Grievous Bodily Harm (s.18)

At sentence, successfully resisted a finding of dangerousness and the imposition of an extended sentence for a client who had pleaded guilty to stabbing his girlfriend in the neck with a broken bottle.

R v RA – Robbery

Secured acquittal following a robbery trial before Southwark Crown Court, despite the victim of the robbery picking out Emily’s client during an identification parade. During Emily’s cross-examination, the victim ultimately agreed that he could not be sure he had identified the right person. The jury returned a not guilty verdict after just over 2 hours of deliberation.

R v JF / “Operation Ghostlock” – Conspiracy to Burgle and Conspiracy to Steal Motor Vehicles

Represented one of five defendants who together conspired to burgle 38 houses and, once inside, steal the keys for high-value motor vehicles, in a method often referred to as a “Hanoi burglary”. The total value of the conspiracy was over £1 million. Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings are ongoing.

R v MH – Concerned in the Supply of Crack Cocaine and Heroin

At sentence, successfully resisted a starting point of 8 years 6 months’ custody and instead secured an overall sentence of 4 years’ imprisonment, despite robust submissions from the Prosecution that the defendant played a leading role in Class A drug supply. Emily was instructed in the resulting confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

R v T – Conspiracy to Steal Motor Vehicles

Instructed to represent a 16-year-old under Certificate for Counsel. Client acquitted of all charges.