Caroline Goodwin KC & Andrew Alty Involved in Morgan Verdict

There has been significant reporting recently of the sentencing of Elias Morgan – convicted after trial of what the Crown alleged to be an execution for revenge of the prison officer Lenny Scott – to a minimum term of 45 years. The case also attracted press interest and attention from legal commentators following an injudicious comment made by the Shadow Chancellor on X, at the commencement of the trial which threatened its viability. At the Sentence hearing Mr Justice Goose passed comment on this.

This complex case involved informants, PII, issues as to “data” concerning retrieval of phone evidence, cell-site, ANPR, CCTV, Gun Shot Residue as well voluminous disclosure made in time sensitive conditions. Legal arguments arose as to disclosure of defence statements – and ultimately a cut throat defence emerged in the closing days of the trial. A now unusual area of law fell to be considered – “The “Iniquity exception” addressing issues of communications and whether they were for the purpose of fraud with an accompanying Voir Dire.

Caroline Goodwin KC, Frances Hertzog and Andrew Alty of Libertas Chambers were instructed and were provided with significant assistance by Adam Croft of Potter Derby.