Michael Stradling and Jonny Pilkington secure sole acquittal following four-week duty evasion trial

Michael Stradling, leading Jonny Pilkington, represented the only defendant to be found not guilty following a four-week multi-handed duty evasion trial at Southwark Crown Court.

Michael and Jonny were instructed at short notice shortly before the trial to represent a defendant in proceedings concerning the alleged evasion of excise duty arising from the large-scale movement and supply of alcohol.

The prosecution case involved a substantial body of documentary and communications evidence relating to the defendants’ alleged involvement in the handling and movement of duty-unpaid alcohol.

The case also also involved the successful use of new technology in the conduct of the defence. Michael successfully applied for permission for counsel to make an AI-assisted recording of the evidence during the trial, enabling the defence team to create and refer to an accurate record of the evidence as the case progressed.

After a four-week trial and 29 hours of jury deliberations, their client was acquitted. All other defendants were convicted.

Michael was instructed by Ravi Khosla of DJMS Solicitors.