Recent Case Successes at Harewood Law
Harewood Law has recently secured a number of significant results for clients facing serious criminal allegations, including Not Guilty verdicts at Bradford Crown Court and cases discontinued following complex investigations. These outcomes demonstrate the importance of early legal advice, detailed preparation, and robust defence strategy in serious criminal proceedings.
Below are examples of recent successful outcomes achieved on behalf of our clients.
Kidnap Allegation – Not Guilty Verdict
Bradford Crown Court
Harewood Law represented a client charged alongside two others in connection with a serious allegation of kidnap involving claims that the complainant had been assaulted and threatened with death.
Our client denied the allegation and the case proceeded to trial.
The prosecution relied heavily on technical and communications evidence, including:
- communications data analysis
- attribution of phone numbers
- cell site evidence
- ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) timelines
- analytical reporting linking device movement
The defence carefully examined this material and raised concerns regarding:
- tainted identification evidence
- reliability of the complainant’s account
- interpretation of communications data
- alleged movement of mobile phones
Following a week-long trial, half-time submissions were made challenging whether the prosecution evidence was capable of supporting a conviction. The judge agreed with the defence submissions and directed the jury to return a Not Guilty verdict.
Counsel instructed: Nick Cartmell, New Park Court Chambers
Serious Rape Allegation – Not Guilty Verdict
Bradford Crown Court
Harewood Law also represented a client charged with a serious allegation of rape involving a child. The client strongly denied the offence and faced the prospect of a custodial sentence exceeding ten years if convicted.
This was a complex and sensitive case that required careful preparation over a two-year period. During that time, the client faced the potential loss of employment, reputation, home life, and family stability if convicted.
Throughout the case, Harewood Law provided ongoing legal support and representation with sensitivity and care.
Following trial, the jury returned a Not Guilty verdict, allowing the client to move forward with his life.
Counsel instructed: Felicity Hemlin, New Park Court Chambers
Pre-Charge Engagement Successes
Early legal representation during police or HMRC investigations can be critical. Harewood Law has recently secured several successful outcomes where clients were not charged following complex investigations.
Conspiracy to Commit VAT Fraud – £5 Million Investigation
HMRC Investigation
Harewood Law represented a director of a vehicle export company investigated as part of a large-scale VAT fraud inquiry involving allegations exceeding £5 million.
The investigation involved:
- extensive digital evidence review
- cross-border company structures
- voluntary interviews under caution
- detailed financial documentation
Following detailed engagement with investigators and careful presentation of the client’s position, the investigation concluded with no further action taken.
Early legal advice and analysis of the business structure played an important role in achieving this outcome.
Attempted Murder Investigation – Firearms Allegation Dropped
Our client was arrested alongside others following allegations of discharging a firearm in broad daylight during an alleged gang-related incident in which another individual was seriously injured.
The investigation relied on:
- mobile phone evidence
- cell site and call data
- CCTV evidence
- vehicle and clothing disposal evidence
Following lengthy interviews and a period on police bail, the case against our client was dropped with no further action taken.
Counter-Terrorism Investigation – No Charges Brought
Harewood Law represented a client investigated by counter-terrorism police in relation to allegations of promoting terrorism through the sharing of material within WhatsApp groups.
The investigation involved:
- detailed digital device downloads
- timeline analysis
- group messaging evidence
- material linked to banned organisations
Careful analysis demonstrated:
- the relevant material did not originate from the client’s device
- key content had been circulated while the client was abroad
- there was no evidence of direct involvement in sharing the material
The investigation concluded with no charges brought against our client, although others involved were later prosecuted.
The Importance of Early Criminal Defence Advice
These cases highlight the importance of obtaining specialist criminal defence advice at the earliest stage of an investigation.
Early legal representation can:
- challenge weak or unreliable evidence
- shape the direction of investigations
- prevent charges being brought
- strengthen defence strategy before trial
- protect your rights throughout proceedings
If you are under investigation or facing serious allegations, obtaining legal advice as soon as possible can make a significant difference to the outcome.
