Mark Graffius QC leads Gudrun Young defending a man charged with murder and attempted murder at the Central Criminal Court

Following the lifting of reporting restrictions, it can be reported that Mark Graffius QC, leading Gudrun Young, are defending a man, Richard Michael Hand, who is charged with murder and attempted murder at the Central Criminal Court. The defendant, known as Michael Hand, was charged with attempting to murder a man known to him for over 20 years with an axe in the alleged victim’s home. Mr Hand denies any involvement in the offence. He was originally due to be tried in July 2020 but the trial was adjourned as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic and the defendant was granted conditional bail on 22nd July 2020. A month later on 22nd August 2020 he is accused of having murdered another man known to him, Yassar Moussa, at his home address in Walthamstow and to have transported his body to nearby St James Park in a suitcase the following morning. Yassar Moussa’s naked body was found by Environment Agency workers who were clearing foliage near to a brook in St James Park on 24th August 2020. The defendant denies murder or disposing of his body. The trial continues.

Counsel are instructed by John Kinlough of EBR Attridge solicitors.