Sophia Dower’s client acquitted of causing serious bodily harm with intent

Sophia Dower represented a young woman who had been accused by her partner of attacking him by throwing boiling water at him. The complainant did not report the alleged assault at the time but, four years later, made a complaint to the police. He sought to link his skin dyspigmentation with the allegation.

The defence served expert evidence on causation of the skin condition to demonstrate that it was caused by melasma, rather than any kind of burn trauma. The prosecution sought to rely on expert evidence in support of their allegation of causing grievous bodily harm.

The defence successfully argued that there had been insufficient compliance with Part 19 Crim Procedure Rules and that the prosecution should be allowed no further time. The prosecution abandoned the charge of causing serious bodily harm with intent, proceeding with a lesser charge. Following a trial and consideration of the defendant’s case on self-defence the jury unanimously acquitted the defendant.

Counsel was instructed by Melissa Ansah of Murray Hughman Solicitors.