Niamh Sexton secures acquittal of client charged with affray at Snaresbrook Crown Court

Niamh Sexton secured the acquittal of her client for affray after a 3-day trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

Niamh’s client was charged with affray following a fight that broke out during the West Ham v Burnley football match at the London Stadium.

The prosecution case was that Niamh’s client had approached a group of men and, although he had not begun the physical altercation, was the aggressor during the fight and had ample opportunity to withdraw before he was eventually knocked unconscious. The incident was captured on CCTV. The other males within the fight had already pleaded guilty to affray in the Magistrates’ court.

Niamh challenged the prosecution case on the basis that the CCTV had not captured the entirety of the incident. Further, her client had approached the group during the football match because they had been harassing a female steward.

Niamh raised the defence of self-defence and after a 3 day trial, the jury returned a not guilty verdict.

Niamh was instructed by Fergus Harrington of ABV Solicitors.