Naeem Mian QC has successfully represented his client, 19 year old James Dodd who was acquitted of murder, manslaughter and violent disorder, following a trial lasting 11 weeks at Northampton Crown Court.
Dodd was one of 7 defendants charged with murder and violent disorder arising out of a fatal attack on February 2017, which resulted in the death of 17 year old Liam Hunt.
Naeem’s client was the only defendant to be acquitted of all charges.
The prosecution case was that this was a revenge attack carried out at the behest of Naeem’s client following an attack on him 2 days earlier. The prosecution relied on text messages expressing a desire for revenge sent by James Dodd to others as well as extensive CCTV coverage and forensic evidence. Various defendants advanced “cut-throat” defences.
Naeem was instructed by Steve Bayford of Nobles Solicitors (Northampton) and was leading James Smith-Wilds.
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This article was written for HMRC EIP (Enquiries, Investigations & Powers) Magazine (Feb-March 2026 Issue)…
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