Liam Edwards Leading Danielle Byford, Secure Acquittal of Lead Defendant in a Multi-handed, Industrial Scale Class A Drugs Conspiracy, Following a Successful Submission of No Case to Answer

Liam Edwards leading Danielle Byford, both of 187 Chambers, represented the first of nine defendants charged in an industrial scale class A drugs conspiracy, before HHJ Deacon KC at Wood Green Crown Court.

The case alleged against the defendants (Operation Wasdale) concerned a national chemsex conspiracy to supply multiple kilogram packages of class A and B drugs, including 45kg packages and £4 million pound contract deals per week, for just over one year.

The Crown’s case was heard over a period of four weeks and was heavily dependent on digital communication between parties to the conspiracy and cell site evidence. At the close of the Crowns case, Mr Edwards and Ms Byford successfully obtain Not Guilty verdicts on all counts alleged against their client, following a submission of no case to answer on 8th April 2024.

Mr Edwards and Ms Byford were instructed by Emma Lambie of Murray Hughman Solicitors.