Mr Rowland was originally remanded into custody charged with stalking but was tried for the offence of pursuing a course of conduct amounting to harassment of the wife of Sir Ed Davey at their family home.
Because of its high-profile nature and the sensitivity around threats to MPs, the case was handled by the CPS London Complex Casework Unit who instructed a Treasury silk to advise and King’s Counsel to prosecute the trial. Greg Unwin was accordingly instructed to represent the defendant at trial.
Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, was in court watching the cross examination of Lady Emily Davey and the carers who assist their family.
After careful consideration of the evidence and authorities, the judge agreed with Mr Unwin’s submissions that while the defendant’s conduct may have been unwelcome, obstreperous and upsetting, it did not cross the boundary into an oppressive course of conduct warranting criminal sanction. The defendant was found not guilty.
The judge noted the case should not be taken as a wider precedent for interaction between the public and their elected officials. The trial included a novel point of law relating to reporting restrictions, requiring legal argument on recent Employment Appeal Tribunal judgments, and representations from the media. Greg Unwin was instructed by Dalton Holmes Gray.
Press reports:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c77d702znm4o
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/ed-davey-emily-stalker-trial-b2872252.html